Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, has called for stronger media ethics, professional accountability and protection of press freedom in efforts to curb fake news and misinformation in Nigeria.

Idris, who was represented by Dr Suleiman Haruna, Director of Public Relation, made the call on Wednesday in Abuja at the Nigerian Press Council (NPC) National Summit on Fake News and Excellence in Media Leadership Award 2026.

Newsmen report that the summit has the theme: “Curbing Fake News and Misinformation in the Nigeria Media Space”.

Idris said the digital revolution had transformed information sharing, making it possible for information to reach people across geographical boundaries within seconds.

He said that the response to misinformation should focus on strengthening professional journalism, promoting fact-checking and improving access to credible information.

“The solution is not censorship, the government also has a responsibility to communicate promptly, openly, and accurately. The Nigerian Press Council has a critical role in promoting ethical journalism and strengthening professional accountability,” he said.

Idris called on media organisations to strengthen editorial oversight, verify sources and correct errors promptly, while urging technology companies to address the misuse of their platforms.

Also, the Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, called for a coordinated approach to misinformation that would protect national security without restricting legitimate journalism.

Musa, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Security and Intelligence, Likita Musa, said misinformation has become a challenge to national stability, security, democratic progress and sustainable development.

The minister noted that digital platforms could also be exploited to manipulate public opinion, incite hostility and undermine confidence in public institutions.

He warned against treating every inaccurate report as deliberate misinformation or interpreting every criticism as an attack on national security.

“A democratic society must preserve room for honest mistakes, legitimate disagreement, investigative journalism, satire, and constructive debate,” he said.

The Defence Minister also stressed the need to balance public access to accurate information with legitimate security requirements.

“Defence communication must balance the public interest in accurate information with legitimate requirements relating to operational security, the safety of personnel, and the protection of classified information,” he said.

On artificial intelligence, Musa said the technology presented opportunities and challenges for the media industry.

“When used responsibly, these tools can strengthen journalism and expand access to reliable information,” he said.

On his part, Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, urged journalists to uphold truth and exercise caution in the dissemination of information, particularly as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.

Sule, who was represented by Yakubu Lamai, Director-General of Strategic Communication and Event Management, said the summit was apt in addressing the issue of fake news during this political activities.

“The cornerstone of journalism is truth. If we uphold truthfulness, if we uphold news that is anchored and based on verifiable data, news that you can substantiate from very credible sources, you will be protecting our democracy,” he said.

Also speaking, Mr Charles Ebuebu, Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), called for stronger collaboration among regulators, media organisations, journalists, technology companies and educational institutions to address misinformation.

He warned that the rapid circulation of verified and unverified information could undermine public confidence and democratic participation.

“Public trust can be weakened, social tensions inflamed, and informed democratic participation undermined. Innovation should strengthen editorial judgment rather than replacing it,” he said.

Ebuebu said regulatory measures alone could not resolve the challenges created by technology, commercial interests, audience behaviour and gaps in media literacy.

“The legitimacy of media regulation depends not only on the standards it enforces but also on the fairness and predictability with which it exercises its power,” he said.

Meanwhile, Malam Ali M. Ali, Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), called on journalists to embrace factual, data-driven reporting and objectivity in the discharge of their duties.

Ali, who was represented by Ismail Abdulaziz, Director of Special Duties, said the agency had consistently prioritised editorial principles and professional standards in its efforts to combat fake news.

“You fight fake news with data. You fight fake news by being objective in everything you put out, and you fight fake news by standing on the platform of objectivity,” he said.

He urged journalists to avoid publishing unverified information simply because it was circulating on social media, stressing the importance of credible sources and supporting evidence.

Dr Dili Ezugha, Executive Secretary of the NPC, said the summit would strengthen collective efforts toward curbing misinformation, promoting credible journalism and recognising excellence in media leadership in Nigeria.