Abuja: The Nigerian Institute of Social Media Analysts (NISMA) has declared the digital space a new frontline in Nigeria’s fight against fake news and hate speech ahead of the 2027 elections. The institute made the declaration on Thursday while unveiling the National Digital Peace Ambassadors (NDPA), a movement aimed at promoting responsible use of social media and protecting national cohesion.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, at a news conference themed ‘Digital Peace and National Security: Building Responsible Voices for a United Nigeria,’ NISMA urged Nigerians to take greater responsibility for the information they create, share, and amplify online. Erikan Obong, National Secretary of NDPA, emphasized that the battle for Nigeria’s unity was now being significantly waged on social media platforms, where Nigerians increasingly communicate, form opinions, influence others, and engage in political debates.
Obong highlighted that research by UNESCO and NISMA had established the spread of misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech through digital platforms as serious risks to social cohesion, peace, and stability. She also expressed concern over the growing use of artificial intelligence to generate and manipulate content, particularly as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.
According to her, NDPA is open to all Nigerians willing to join the campaign against fake news, hate speech, and other forms of irresponsible digital communication. She stated that the initiative would encourage Nigerians to verify information before sharing it and place national interest above the perceived benefits of spreading false information.
Dr. Christian Eze, National Coordinator of NISMA, proposed mandatory certification for Nigerians before they could open social media accounts. He stated, “What we are proposing in the long run is that every Nigerian who wants to open a social media account must go through certification by the Nigerian Institute of Social Media Analysts.” This proposal aims to promote greater responsibility and sanity in Nigeria’s digital media space.
The initiative arises amid growing concerns over the potential impact of misinformation, hate speech, and manipulated digital content on social cohesion and electoral processes. NISMA believes the NDPA will serve as a platform for Nigerians to promote responsible digital citizenship and contribute to peace and national security.