Federal Government to Collaborate with CCC on National Crisis Communication Hub to Fight Misinformation

Nigeria to Establish National Crisis Communication Hub to Combat Digital Misinformation

The Federal Government has announced plans to adopt a more aggressive, technology-driven strategy to manage national emergencies and counter the spread of disinformation across Nigeria’s digital landscape.

This initiative was unveiled during a high-level briefing in Abuja where the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mallam Mohammed Idris, received a formal report from the Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC) on the National Symposium on Digital Innovation in Crisis Communication. The CCC delegation was led by Major General Chris Olukolade (Rtd).

Central to the proposed collaboration is the establishment of a National Crisis Communication Hub (NCCH), which will function as an independent, multi-stakeholder platform designed to strengthen the country’s crisis response capabilities. The hub will provide real-time monitoring of digital threats, including fake news, hate speech, and coordinated misinformation campaigns as they emerge across platforms.

“What the Centre has been doing to counter misinformation through structured crisis communication strategies is vital,” Minister Idris acknowledged during the briefing. “We must also ensure the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence while upholding the norms and values of our country.”

The Minister described the initiative as “timely and commendable,” recognizing that government alone cannot effectively manage the complexities of today’s rapidly evolving information ecosystem.

Beyond just identifying threats, the NCCH will harmonize communication across various government agencies during emergencies to prevent conflicting narratives that could potentially increase public panic or confusion. The hub will leverage artificial intelligence tools for predictive analysis, enabling authorities to anticipate potential communication crises before they escalate to critical levels.

The proposal includes the introduction of a Crisis Communication Perception Index (CCPI), a data-driven assessment framework designed to evaluate institutional performance during crises. This index will measure several key aspects of crisis response: preparedness through anticipatory communication strategies, responsiveness based on information dissemination speed, transparency in accuracy and openness, and digital resilience in countering misinformation campaigns.

During the briefing, the CCC presented a specialized research study titled “Artificial Intelligence and Crisis Communication in Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects.” Authored by Yushau A. Shuaib, a consultant to the Centre and publisher of PRNigeria, the study outlines a strategic roadmap for the Ministry and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) to modernize Nigeria’s communication architecture in accordance with global best practices.

General Olukolade revealed that NITDA has already endorsed the policy recommendations contained in the report and has begun collaborating with the CCC toward operationalizing the proposed digital communication hub.

The development comes at a critical time for Nigeria, as the country continues to grapple with security challenges and information management issues across multiple fronts. The spread of misinformation through digital channels has repeatedly complicated government response efforts to various crises, from security operations to public health emergencies.

In further strengthening institutional cooperation, the CCC sought ministerial support for revitalizing the Strategic Communication Inter-agency Policy Committee (SCIPC). This platform, previously endorsed by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), aims to harmonize messaging among security and paramilitary agencies during critical incidents.

General Olukolade emphasized the importance of the Ministry of Information providing technical oversight to ensure that inter-agency communication efforts align seamlessly with Nigeria’s broader national orientation objectives.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to reform and collaboration, Mallam Idris concluded that Nigeria remains open to partnerships that will enhance transparency, strengthen public trust, and build a resilient national communication framework capable of navigating the challenges of the digital age.

The initiative represents a significant step forward in Nigeria’s approach to managing the information ecosystem, particularly at a time when digital platforms have become increasingly influential in shaping public perception and responses to national events.