Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser (NSA), has issued a warning about the misuse of social media and has called for a revision of strategic communication in order to combat misinformation.
According to Ribadu, there is an urgent national security priority since improper usage of social media presents hazards on a local and international level.
In Abuja, Ribadu spoke during a meeting with delegates from organizations affiliated with the Strategic Communication Interagency Policy Committee.
He gave media managers in response, defense, and security agencies new instructions on how to interact with the public and combat misinformation from the nation’s adversaries.
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Spokesman for the security sector, he added, ought to talk about how social media and the media themselves divide people from governments on many levels.
Ribadu highlighted the prevalence of fake news, misinformation, and disinformation and identified them as hazards to national security and public involvement.
The NSA stated, “Across the world, we have also assessed the adept use of social media platforms by those who seek power to shape public opinion against citizens. This threat is both global and local and presents an immediate national security priority.
“The urgency to prepare and be proactive in our national security strategic communication management is now, and the spokespersons have a critical role to play.
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“Upon the sweat and blood of service personnel and the men and women who protect us daily, we must build a narrative of resilience and mobilise our people.
“We must tell their stories and sing their praise as part of a broader national strategic communication programme.
“As spokespersons, you have a critical role to play in effective governance communication to project our results and reach audiences at home and abroad.
“Countering fake news will require that we are ahead of the news and proactively update the public.”
The NSA assured that going forward, government communication would be in line with President Bola Tinubu’s vision and directives, with messages carefully coordinated to reflect national security objectives and values.
