Govt Agencies, CSOs Collaborate to Combat Fake News

Government agencies and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have established a committee to combat the spread of fake news in the country.

This initiative was announced at the 2nd National Roundtable on Fake News and Blackmail of Government and Non-Governmental Officials, held yesterday in Abuja.

The collaboration aims to address the growing threat of fake news and blackmail.

In his opening address, Mr. Adams Otakwu, Chairman of the Conference of Civil Societies and Coordinator of Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMICO), emphasized the urgent need for action against the spread of misinformation.

The event, chaired by a representative of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, featured a keynote address by a representative of the National Security Adviser. The highlight was the introduction of the National Fake Tracker, a tool underscoring the need for a coordinated response to misinformation and blackmail.

Otakwu noted that the resurgence of fake news and blackmail by individuals and groups posing as civil society organisations threatens national security.

“These entities spread false accusations and malicious petitions, often extorting bribes, contracts, or appointments in exchange for silence,” he said, condemning these unethical practices for their harmful impact on national stability.

The roundtable included high-ranking representatives from various government agencies, such as the Ministry of Police Affairs, the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC), and the armed forces. Participants unanimously condemned the proliferation of fake news and blackmail, committing to a ‘Whole of Society’ approach to tackle these threats effectively.

Professor Godswill Nnaji presented a paper on international laws against fake news and blackmail, citing successful implementations in Germany, Singapore, and France. He emphasized the importance of stringent legislation and public education campaigns in Nigeria to combat misinformation and raise awareness about its dangers.

A significant outcome of the roundtable was the formation of a committee to map and monitor civil society organizations nationwide. This initiative aims to identify fake CSOs involved in blackmail and ensure accountability.

The committee, comprising the Conference of Civil Societies, the National Bureau of Statistics, and the National Population Commission, will collaborate with government agencies to address the spread of fake news.

Otakwu called on all Nigerians to reject fake news and blackmail, fostering a culture of trust, transparency, and collaboration. He emphasized the importance of safeguarding Nigeria’s integrity and prosperity, urging citizens to reaffirm their faith in the nation for the overall interest of national security and development.

The event was attended by 51 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and representatives from various government bodies, including the Minister of State for Police Affairs, Chairman of the National Assembly Service Commission, Chief of Defence Staff, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Comptroller General of the Nigerian Immigration Service (CG-NIS), Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Statistician General of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Director General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET), and the Clerk of the Senate Committee on ICT/Cyber Security.