ABJFN Welcomes UNESCO-Backed Media Literacy Institute, Urges Nigeria to Establish National Information Integrity Framework
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The Association of Bloggers and Journalists Against Fake News (ABJFN) has welcomed Nigeria’s hosting of the International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI), a landmark initiative under the auspices of UNESCO, describing the development as a defining moment in the country’s information governance landscape.
In a press statement issued in Abuja and signed by its National President, Comrade James Ezema, the Association said the establishment of International Media and Information Literacy Institute in Nigeria represents a strong global endorsement of the country’s potential to lead in advancing media literacy, digital responsibility, and information integrity.
The Association noted that Nigeria’s emergence as host of what it described as the world’s first institute of its kind presents a strategic opportunity to reposition the country as a hub for knowledge-driven solutions to the growing global challenge of misinformation and disinformation. It emphasized, however, that the significance of the development must go beyond symbolic recognition and translate into measurable outcomes that directly benefit citizens.
ABJFN stressed that the milestone should be leveraged to strengthen democratic processes, enhance media credibility, and rebuild public trust in the nation’s information ecosystem. It warned that without deliberate and structured action, the potential impact of hosting such a global institute could remain largely unrealized.
Central to the Association’s position is a call for the urgent development of a comprehensive National Information Integrity Framework anchored on Media and Information Literacy principles. According to the statement, such a framework is necessary to provide a coordinated national response to the proliferation of misinformation while equipping citizens with the critical thinking skills required to navigate an increasingly complex digital information environment.
The Association observed that the nature of information exchange has evolved significantly in the digital age, where individuals are no longer passive recipients but active participants in the creation and dissemination of content. It noted that in this ecosystem, every citizen functions as both a consumer and distributor of information, thereby amplifying the risks associated with the spread of false or misleading narratives.
Against this backdrop, ABJFN emphasized that safeguarding the integrity of the information space must be treated as a shared national responsibility. It called for collaboration among government institutions, media organizations, civil society actors, and the general public to build a resilient and trustworthy information environment capable of addressing the challenges of digital misinformation.
The statement further outlined a series of measures aimed at institutionalizing media and information literacy across the country. These include the integration of Media and Information Literacy into Nigeria’s educational curriculum at all levels, as well as the implementation of sustained nationwide public awareness campaigns focused on responsible digital engagement.
ABJFN also recommended the establishment of collaborative mechanisms between IMILI and civil society organizations to ensure that the institute’s impact extends beyond policy circles to grassroots communities. It stressed the importance of ensuring that the benefits of the initiative are widely accessible and not limited to select groups.
In addition, the Association highlighted the need for ethical standards and certification systems for bloggers and digital publishers, noting that professionalizing the digital media space is critical to curbing the spread of unverified information. It further called for improved transparency and accountability in public communication by state institutions, which it identified as key actors in shaping public discourse.
The Association warned that fake news has evolved from a peripheral media concern into a major national challenge with far-reaching implications. It stated that misinformation now poses a significant threat to national security, electoral integrity, and social cohesion, underscoring the urgency of coordinated intervention.
ABJFN reaffirmed its readiness to collaborate with relevant stakeholders, including IMILI, in advancing public education, capacity building, and policy advocacy aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s information ecosystem. It positioned itself as a committed partner in efforts to promote responsible information practices and combat the spread of false narratives.
In its concluding remarks, the Association maintained that Nigeria’s hosting of a global institute dedicated to information integrity must be matched by a corresponding commitment to addressing domestic challenges in the information space. It stressed that the country cannot assume a leadership role on the global stage while tolerating systemic misinformation within its own environment.
The statement concluded by calling for collective responsibility, institutional commitment, and sustained action to ensure that the opportunity presented by the establishment of IMILI translates into meaningful and lasting impact.
