The Federal Government has honoured the Executive Chairman of Miden Systems Limited, Dr. Brendan Innocent Usoro, with the Excellence in Corporate Governance and Business Integrity Award for his commitment to ethical leadership, transparency and responsible business practices.

Usoro received the award on Wednesday at the Nigerian Press Council (NPC) National Summit on Curbing Fake News and Misinformation in the Nigerian Media Space, held at NICON Luxury Hotel, Abuja.

Speaking at the event, the oil and gas industry executive warned that fake news and misinformation posed growing threats to national security, democratic stability, business confidence and peaceful coexistence, particularly as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.

He expressed concern over the increasing use of artificial intelligence to generate fabricated audio recordings, manipulate videos and produce misleading reports, warning that the trend was making it increasingly difficult for citizens to distinguish credible information from deliberate falsehoods.

Usoro said misinformation had moved beyond political campaigns to become a tool for damaging reputations, undermining businesses and creating tension in society.

“People use false information to de-market their political opponents, competitors’ products and services, as well as create tension in the polity,” he said.

He warned that the consequences included the erosion of public trust, the escalation of ethnic and religious tensions, and the manipulation of voters’ choices.

The Miden Systems chairman disclosed that his company had also experienced what he described as the damaging effects of misinformation, alleging that the firm and its executives had been targeted following a financial dispute with a commercial bank.

He said such incidents highlighted the capacity of false information to damage corporate reputations and disrupt business operations, urging Nigerians to verify claims before sharing them on social media.

Usoro recommended independent fact-checking organisations, including Dubawa, to help establish the authenticity of information before publication or circulation. He also called for improved training for journalists and fact-checkers, alongside wider access to artificial intelligence-assisted verification tools.

He urged technology companies and regulatory agencies, including the National Information Technology Development Agency and the Nigerian Communications Commission, to strengthen collaboration in tackling malicious synthetic media.

However, he cautioned that efforts to combat misinformation must not become a pretext for restricting press freedom, freedom of expression or legitimate criticism.

Established in 1997, Miden Systems Limited has evolved from providing safety and equipment maintenance services into a diversified company offering marine services, logistics, offshore and onshore facility upgrades, maintenance and management.

Usoro said the company had secured major term contracts in the oil and gas industry, providing services to organisations including the Pipelines and Products Marketing Company, Renaissance Africa Energy Company, ExxonMobil, Nigeria LNG Limited, Warri Refinery and Petrochemical Company, Port Harcourt Refinery Company, Addax Petroleum and Nigerian Agip Oil Company.

He attributed the company’s growth to its commitment to service delivery and the maintenance of long-standing relationships with clients.

“We remain committed to ethical, honest and transparent business transactions at all levels of our operations,” he said, expressing appreciation to the Federal Government and the Nigerian Press Council for the recognition.

Earlier, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the NPC, Dr. Dili Ezughah, said the summit was designed to strengthen Nigeria’s media ecosystem, promote responsible journalism and improve the capacity of media professionals to combat misinformation.

He warned that fake news, propaganda and misinformation could undermine democratic processes if left unchecked ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, represented by his Special Adviser on Intelligence, Musa Likita, also described misinformation as a threat to national security, democratic governance and peaceful coexistence.

Similarly, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, represented by Dr. Haruna Suleiman, urged media organisations to strengthen editorial oversight, verify sources and promptly correct errors.

Idris also called on technology companies to address the misuse of their platforms and advocated greater media and information literacy across schools, universities, communities and public institutions.

Other award recipients included Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule; Musa; Idris; Barrister Obioma Success Akagburuonye; Senator Emmanuel Bwacha; and the Federal Commissioner for Salaries, Income and Wages, Dr. Yakubu Barde.