The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), has called on Nigerians to be mindful of fake news which is capable of inciting and instigating hatred, resentment, anger, hostility, and enmity among them.
The Director-General of NBC, Malam Balarabe Ilelah, gave the advice on Tuesday at the National Fact-Checking Course, organized by the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Abuja.
Ilelah said, “It is quite apt to say that Nigerians must always be mindful of fake news.
“And this may consequently, lead to disunity, disaffection, violence, and sometimes war.
“That is why NBC is committed to arresting the menace by encouraging broadcasters to provide detailed and intelligent daily accounts of local, national, and international events in a truthful and accurate manner without distortions, exaggerations, or misrepresentations.
“The commission has categorically discouraged any form of fake news and any such breach is sanctioned instantly.’’
The NBC chief commended NOA for its commitment, especially to the training of fact-checkers who were drawn from military, para-military, and other agencies.
In his remark, Mr. Kashifu Abdullahi, the Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), said that the agency was tasked with the responsibility of developing a Code of Practice for online platforms.
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Abdullahi was represented by the Manager, Digital Architect, Digital Literacy and Capacity Development, NITDA, Malam Bashiru Ibrahim.
He said that the idea was in line with the Federal Government’s efforts to make the digital ecosystem safer for Nigerians.
According to the NITDA chief, one of the requirements under the code was that platforms shall engage the services of certified fact-checkers to counteract information targeted to disinform or misinform Nigerians, especially during election periods.
“The fact-checking requirement serves as an opportunity to grow the fact-checking industry in Nigeria.
“NITDA will like to urge indigenous fact-checkers to secure certification from the International fact-checking Network to enable them to maximize the benefits of this industry,’’ he said.
The Director-General of NOA, Dr. Garba Abari said that fact-checking training was part of the five-year strategic plan of the agency which aimed at enhancing the competence of 37,000 Nigerians across the country.
According to him, the training also aimed at producing fact-checkers who would verify any information capable of causing social and political destruction as the 2023 General Elections approach.
