The Federal Government has issued a note of caution to content creators and social media influencers, urging them to refrain from promoting negative narratives about Nigeria.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said this on Friday at the National Global Media and information Literacy week 2024 in Abuja.

He stressed the importance of prioritising the nation’s interests and adhering to high ethical standards in content creation.

Idris said that while it is essential to criticize and hold leaders accountable, there is a need to balance such critiques with positive narratives about the country.

He said, “If we want Nigeria to grow, we cannot always emphasize the negatives… It is also critical that in reporting, we prioritize national interest.”

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He noted that constant negative portrayals could deter potential investors, saying, “We cannot expect the country to grow and have people come and invest when all we push out all the time is negative.”

The minister also condemned the spread of fake news on social media, warning that it poses a significant threat to the nation’s unity, peace, and development.

He commended UNESCO for its efforts to combat misinformation through the establishment of the International Media and Information Literacy Institute in Nigeria.

Idris acknowledged that misinformation is a global issue, requiring collective action to create a healthier information environment free from fake news.

UNESCO Representative to Nigeria, Mr. Abdourahamane Diallo, echoed the organization’s commitment to supporting media information literacy initiatives in the country.