By Deji Abdulwahab
Abuja, April 8, 2026 (NAN) The Federal Government has urged broadcasting organisations to safeguard their airwaves against fake news and misinformation as the country approaches another electoral cycle.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, made the call on Wednesday at the 81st General Assembly and 23rd Annual General Meeting of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) in Abuja.
The theme of the event was “The Management of the Airwaves: An Assessment of the 2026 Nigerian Electoral Act on Broadcast Media Coverage of the Election.”
Idris said the nation was entering a period of intense political activities during which disinformation and fake news could become widespread.
“It is imperative, therefore, that our broadcasting institutions guide the airwaves very well.
“The credibility of our democratic process depends in no small measure on the integrity of media coverage. As we all know, the media plays a central role in shaping public perception and influencing the tone of our national discourse,” he said.
The minister noted that broadcasting was undergoing rapid transformation driven by technological advancement, digital platforms and the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
According to him, in spite of these changes, broadcasters must remain committed to informing, educating and uniting Nigerians.
“The airwaves is indeed a public trust, and how the airwaves are utilised has a direct impact on our national cohesion, public understanding and our democratic stability, he said.
“In a diverse country such as ours, broadcasting serves not only as a source of information but also a bridge that connects communities, cultures and perspectives,” the minister said.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the administration of President Bola Tinubu to supporting a free, responsible and forward-looking media environment.
According to him, the federal government recognises that a vibrant broadcasting sector is essential for national development and to the realisation of the renewable agenda of the President.
“We will continue to pursue policies that encourage investments, promote innovation and strengthen the regulatory framework in a manner that protects both freedom of expression and public interest.
“At the same time, we are mindful of the emerging challenges facing the industry today.
“The spread of misinformation and disinformation, the disruptive influence of new technologies and the changing economics of media operations all demand thoughtful and coordinated responses.
“These are not challenges that any single institution, can address alone. They require collaboration, continuous learning and a shared commitment to ethical standards,” Idris said.
He, therefore, saud that BON remained strategically positioned to guide the broadcasting sector through ongoing transitions and promote best practices.
Idris expressed confidence that the BON assembly would generate practical solutions capable of strengthening the industry and enhancing its contribution to national development.
Earlier, the Chairman of BON, Mr Salihu Dembos, said the organisation must position itself as a strategic voice in national policy formulation.
Dembos said BON should also serve as a driver of innovation and capacity development, a guardian of professional standards and a bridge between traditional broadcasting and emerging global media realities.
“We must champion Nigerian content not only for domestic consumption, but as exportable creative capital capable of competing globally.
“This is because the future of broadcasting will belong to nations that tell their stories confidently, authentically, and of course, technologically.
“At a time when misinformation spread faster than truth, broadcasters must claim and enforce their greatest assets, credibility. Trust is now the currency of modern media, and credibility is the competitive advantage.”
He urged broadcasters to embrace strategic leadership, sustainable content monetisation and capacity development for the next generation of media professionals.
“Let this General Assembly make a new era, defined by innovation, unity of purpose, and bold institutional renewal,” Dembos said. (NAN)