Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, and former Nasarawa State Governor, Tanko Al-Makura, have joined the growing campaign against misinformation, disinformation, and fake news, warning that the trends are fueling political apathy and threatening Nigeria’s democratic space.
Speaking at the 2025 Press Week of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Speaker Abbas, represented by Rep. Patrick Umoh, emphasised that the press remains the strongest safeguard of democracy amid the rise of misinformation and declining civic engagement.
He called for the Nigerian media to adopt stronger, coordinated fact-checking systems to counter the growing spread of fake news, particularly across digital and social media platforms.
The Speaker stressed that such efforts should not be isolated but developed through structured partnerships among major newsrooms, independent fact-checkers, civil society organisations, and relevant government agencies.
He affirmed that the parliament sees the media as both a watchdog and a vital partner in the collective pursuit of a transparent and accountable democratic system.
He said, “We live in an age where democracy and press freedom are often constantly tested by disinformation, intolerance, institutional weaknesses, and civic disengagement, especially since the emergence of social media.
“The media, as the fourth estate of the realm, however, remains central to how these challenges are confronted and resolved. Journalism is not merely about the dissemination of information, but about the protection of truth, the expansion of civic consciousness, and the advancement of democratic values.
Speaker Abbas said further that “In many parts of the world, the media has become a rallying force for amplifying women’s voices, holding power to account, and pushing for legislative reform”, adding that the House recognize the media as partners in the democratic process, and remain committed to providing the legal and institutional frameworks that support its growth and independence.
He said further that the media remains indispensable in ensuring electoral transparency and civic participation, saying “over the years, journalists across Nigeria have demonstrated courage and professionalism in reporting elections, holding political actors accountable, and amplifying the voices of the marginalized.
“In a time when misinformation and political apathy threaten democratic gains, the vigilance of the press remains our strongest safeguard. As lawmakers, we do not take this for granted. We recognize the media as both a watchdog and a partner in our shared mission of building a transparent and accountable democratic order.
“As part of our commitment to transparency and open governance, the 10th House of Representatives introduced citizen-focused innovations such as the Open NASS, Legislative Citizenship Roundtable, and expanded live streaming of plenaries, public hearings, and committee engagements.
“These reforms are designed to provide Nigerians with real-time access to our work, reduce information asymmetry, and foster legislative trust. We firmly believe that democracy cannot thrive behind closed doors. It must be participatory, visible, and accountable at all times. The media has a crucial role to play in ensuring these reforms are not only reported but also protected and improved upon.
“Let me also reaffirm that our work in the House of Representatives aligns with Nigeria’s international commitments, especially the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 5) and the African Union’s Gender Strategy.
“These frameworks remind us that gender inclusion is not merely a domestic policy issue but a global development imperative. They challenge us to do more, to legislate with foresight, and to ensure that no Nigerian, regardless of gender, is left behind in our nation’s journey toward peace, equity, and prosperity.
“The 10th House of Representatives understands that gender equity is a legislative responsibility. Over the past year, we have prioritized bills and motions that promote the rights, welfare, and representation of women and girls across Nigeria.
“From reviewing discriminatory laws to promoting access to education, health, and economic opportunities, our legislative agenda has consistently emphasized the central role of gender justice in national development.
“As the 10th House of Representatives, we are prepared to support such frameworks through formal collaboration, including integration with our legislative oversight functions and public information systems. This partnership will ensure that citizens have access to verified, timely, and transparent information, especially on policy matters and electoral issues.
“Secondly, I encourage the media to spearhead the development of a national code of ethical conduct specifically tailored for digital journalism and social media reporting. Such a code should provide guidelines on the responsible use of sources, AI-generated content, and anonymous reporting, while also safeguarding press freedom. We in the National Assembly are open to backing this initiative with enabling legislation or resolutions that promote digital responsibility without infringing on the constitutional rights of our people. No country grows through fake news and misinformation because false narrative can destabilize institutions and we must work together to build a media environment anchored on ethics, accuracy, and accountability.”
Former Nasarawa state governor, Senator Umaru Tanko Almakura said Journalism is more than reportage—it is the lifeblood of public accountability, the keeper of transparency, and the vessel through which democracy breathes.
He explained that the heart of every democratic enterprise lies the well-being of the people, adding that democracy is only worthwhile if it safeguards lives, protects rights, and promotes collective prosperity.
According to him, these aims cannot be realised without a responsible and unfettered press—free to question, free to probe, and free to tell the truth, even when it is inconvenient, saying as remarkable as it is, the digital revolution has altered everything.
He said further that Artificial intelligence, deepfakes, misinformation, and algorithmic bias now threaten to displace fact with fiction, and substance with spectacle, saying nowhere is this more dangerous than in fragile democracies, where information can be weaponised, and where the truth is often the first casualty.
While saying that the Nigerian Press has endured in the face of adversity, the former governor said freedom of the press is non-negotiable, adding, “In this age of viral misinformation, our challenge is not merely legal, it is ethical. It is not just about laws or sanctions. It is about restoring editorial integrity, deepening professional standards, and cultivating a media culture that prioritises truth over traffic.
“To this end, I humbly propose the following national agenda for media revitalisation.”
He proposed a Journalist Safety and Insurance Framework that will institutionalise protection for media professionals, particularly those in conflict zones or on investigative beats.
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He also proposed a Media Innovation & Sustainability Fund with support from government and private sector for digital transition, training, and sustainability for struggling yet essential news outlets as well as Media Literacy Campaigns in Schools and Communities that will empower citizens—especially to critically engage with media and resist manipulation.
He also called for a National Fact-Checking Alliance to foster non-partisan collaboration between media houses and civic-tech institutions to combat disinformation ahead of the 2027 elections.
Chairman of the NUJ, FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike said over the past year, we have witnessed extraordinary shifts in the global and local media landscape; advancements in technology, the rise of artificial intelligence, the deepening of social media influence, and unfortunately, the persistent challenges of disinformation, censorship, economic pressures, and threats to press freedom.
Ike announced the establishment of a Journalists’ Welfare Scheme aimed at addressing critical needs such as healthcare, emergency financial assistance, and social protection—because no journalist should suffer in silence and the development of the NUJ Journalists’ Village in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria.
The journalist village she said will provide decent, affordable homes for journalists and their families in the heart of the nation’s capital.