Nigeria, Turkiye Move To Strengthen Fight Against Misinformation

Nigeria and Türkiye have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in strategic communication, media development, cultural exchange and the fight against misinformation and disinformation, as both countries deepen their partnership in promoting international peace, security and development.

Rabiu Ibrahim, Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, noted that the development followed a bilateral meeting in Istanbul on Saturday.

Idris, who held a meeting with Türkiye’s Head of the Directorate of Communications, Professor Burhanettin Duran, on the sidelines of the TRT World Forum, thanked the Turkish Government for inviting Nigeria to the Forum and acknowledged Türkiye’s growing influence on the global stage, particularly its expanding engagement with Africa and Nigeria.

He noted that both countries share common aspirations in promoting global peace, security, cultural understanding and economic development.

The Minister commended the Turkish Government for hosting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu earlier in the year, describing the visit as an important milestone that has opened new opportunities for broader and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries.

He praised the Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT) for expanding its presence in Africa, particularly through its Hausa-language service, engagement of Nigerian media professionals and provision of training opportunities.

Minister Idris expressed Nigeria’s readiness to strengthen cooperation with Türkiye in combating fake news, misinformation, disinformation and the misuse of artificial intelligence, which he described as growing threats to public trust, social cohesion and national and international security.

He emphasised the need for stronger international partnerships, responsible deployment of emerging technologies and improved media literacy to address the challenges of the rapidly evolving global information environment.

In this regard, the Minister highlighted Nigeria’s role as host of the world’s first Category 2 International Media and Information Literacy Institute, describing it as an important platform for advancing international collaboration, professional training and resilience against misinformation and disinformation.

Minister Idris also expressed his desire to welcome Professor Duran to Nigeria in the near future to further consolidate the growing bilateral relationship and explore practical areas of cooperation.

In his remarks, Professor Duran described Nigeria as a strong regional and international partner whose strategic position, cultural diversity and professional resources make it an important ally in promoting global peace, security and development.

He expressed Türkiye’s commitment to deepening cultural ties and professional exchanges with Nigeria, particularly through stronger institutional partnerships in the communication and broadcasting sectors.

Professor Duran welcomed the prospect of signing and activating Memoranda of Understanding between relevant Turkish institutions and Nigeria’s public media organisations.

He said such agreements would provide a framework for cooperation in broadcasting, content exchange, professional training and technical development.

The Turkish communications chief also invited Nigeria to participate in the Sixth International Strategic Communication Summit, scheduled for Istanbul in January 2027, which will focus on strengthening international collaboration, enhancing coordination and developing strategic communication responses to emerging global challenges.

Both officials reaffirmed their commitment to sustained engagement and stronger institutional collaboration, with a shared determination to build on the momentum of Nigeria–Türkiye relations and harness communication and cultural diplomacy to advance peace, security and mutual development.