The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has urged bloggers, online publishers and other digital media practitioners to verify information before publishing or sharing it to promote accuracy, professionalism and responsible journalism.
Idris made the call at a one-day summit in Abuja organised by the Niger Bloggers, Online Publishers and Content Developers Group, under the theme, “Nigeria First, Before Anything.”
The summit was convened by Yahaya Mohammed Usman and Nurudeen Isiyaku Daza, with discussions focusing on responsible digital media practice, national interest and the role of online publishers in national development.
The minister noted that the widespread use of social media has enabled people with smartphones to create and distribute information without necessarily following established editorial procedures.
He emphasised the importance of fact-checking, accuracy and professionalism in digital publishing, noting that traditional media organisations operate editorial processes designed to improve the credibility of news reports.
Idris also called on Nigerians to support the ongoing reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration, stressing the need for collective efforts towards national development.
He pledged to sustain quarterly engagements with bloggers, online publishers and content developers from Niger State. He also promised to expand future meetings into two-day programmes to provide more opportunities for capacity building, knowledge sharing and participation.
Speaking as the guest speaker, Dr Yunusa Umar, an expert in International Affairs and Area Studies at Beijing Foreign Studies University, China, urged Nigerians to exercise caution when sharing information about the country.
Umar warned against spreading negative narratives out of anger or frustration, arguing that misleading or disparaging content could affect Nigeria's international image.
He recounted an experience in which he was denied a visa to another country, which he attributed to negative narratives about Nigeria circulating on social media at the time. The explanation was presented as his personal account.
Umar also discussed freedom of expression in Nigeria and other countries, including China, urging citizens to exercise their rights responsibly and consider the wider implications of their public statements.
In a goodwill message, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Public Enlightenment, Malam Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, urged media practitioners to uphold accuracy, fairness, professionalism and established journalistic ethics.
Abdulaziz acknowledged citizens' constitutional right to criticise government policies and public officials but stressed that criticism should be constructive, factual and guided by responsible public engagement.
At the end of the summit, participating bloggers, online publishers and content developers from Niger State pledged to promote responsible journalism, factual reporting and Nigeria's national interest while maintaining their role in holding public officials accountable.
The participants adopted resolutions committing themselves to ethical conduct, professional standards and responsible use of digital media. They also reaffirmed their commitment to constructive criticism and evidence-based reporting.
The group expressed appreciation to Idris for hosting the summit and sustaining engagements with digital media practitioners from Niger State. Participants also commended Abdulaziz for his contributions to discussions on journalism and national development.
The summit concluded with a commitment by participants to apply the knowledge gained to improve their professional practices, strengthen public accountability and promote responsible communication.
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