Tech-Driven Crises: stakeholders seek united front against digital falsehoods

By Joy Baba-Yesufu
Nigeria must urgently strengthen its defences against escalating digital misinformation and coordinated online propaganda, key government and security leaders warned on Monday at a one-day national symposium on Digital Innovations in Crisis Communication held in Abuja with the theme: ‘Leveraging Emerging Technologies To Transform Crisis Communication’

Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Dr. Kashifu Inuwa, said emerging technologies such as social media, big data and artificial intelligence have transformed the scale and speed of crises. He cited Media Lab research showing that false news spreads six times faster than accurate information, noting that fabricated stories travel further because they are often sensational.

“Technology is neutral. How we use it determines whether it becomes a tool for good or a weapon for bad actors.” he said.

Inuwa warned that digital platforms are increasingly exploited during elections and national tensions, referencing the 2013 hacking incident that triggered algorithmic trading losses of over $140 billion in minutes. He called for a whole-of-society approach involving government, the media, tech innovators and citizens.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, stressed that Nigeria must build a stronger crisis-communication framework to counter propaganda, cyberbullying and unverified narratives that thrive during emergencies. He said credible media institutions remain critical voices of authority in moments of uncertainty. “Digital noise is overwhelming. The integrity of our public institutions must not be compromised.” he noted.

Idris urged public broadcasters to adopt modern tools such as digital alert platforms to enhance early warning, inter-agency collaboration and nationwide information delivery.

Chairman of the Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC), Major General Chris Olukolade (rtd), echoed these concerns, warning that technology is both “a powerful tool and a serious vulnerability.” He said the real threat lies not only in insecurity but in how crises are framed and amplified online, influencing global perception of Nigeria. He called for greater national cooperation and smarter technology adoption to ensure life-saving information reaches all Nigerians, including those in remote communities.

All three speakers urged Nigerians to support efforts to safeguard public discourse and strengthen the nation’s capacity to respond to information-related threats.