The Nigerian Institute of Social Media Analysts (NISMA) has identified Nigeria’s digital environment as a critical front in the fight against misinformation, fake news and hate speech, especially ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The institute made the declaration during the launch of the National Digital Peace Ambassadors (NDPA), a platform designed to encourage responsible online behaviour and promote national unity.
At a press briefing in Abuja themed “Digital Peace and National Security: Building Responsible Voices for a United Nigeria,” NISMA urged social media users to become more conscious of the information they create, share and promote online.
The organisation said social media platforms have become powerful spaces where opinions are shaped, political conversations take place and public perceptions are influenced.
Speaking at the event, NDPA National Secretary, Erikan Obong, said the struggle to preserve Nigeria’s unity is no longer limited to physical communities, political gatherings or religious spaces.
She explained that a major part of the conversation around national peace now takes place online through social media posts, comments and digital interactions.
Obong said the increasing spread of misinformation, disinformation and hate-driven content poses serious threats to social harmony, peace and national security.
She cited concerns raised by research from UNESCO and NISMA on the impact of harmful digital content on societies.
According to her, the emergence of artificial intelligence tools has introduced additional challenges, as manipulated content can now be created and distributed more easily.
She warned that the misuse of AI-generated information could become a major concern as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 elections.
Obong said the NDPA initiative is open to all Nigerians willing to support efforts aimed at reducing fake news, hate speech and irresponsible online communication.
She encouraged citizens to verify information before sharing it and to consider the national consequences of spreading unverified content.
“This is why we have made it free to join us, without criteria, so that everybody will know that, as Nigerians, we are all responsible for keeping this country peaceful,” she said.
Also speaking, NISMA National Coordinator, Dr Christian Eze, said the institute was considering a certification system for Nigerians intending to create social media accounts.
Eze said the proposed measure would encourage greater accountability and promote healthier digital engagement.
“What we are proposing in the long run is that every Nigerian who wants to open a social media account must go through certification by the Nigerian Institute of Social Media Analysts,” he said.
He explained that the proposal was aimed at improving responsibility and reducing harmful practices within Nigeria’s online space.
The launch of the digital peace initiative comes amid increasing concerns over the role of misinformation, online manipulation and inflammatory content in shaping public opinion and influencing electoral processes.
NISMA said the National Digital Peace Ambassadors programme would provide Nigerians with a platform to promote digital responsibility, peaceful communication and national cohesion.
The Nigerian Institute of Social Media Analysts (NISMA) is focused on research, education and professional development around social media analysis, digital communication and online behaviour.
Its activities centre on understanding how information spreads online and how digital platforms influence society.
Misinformation and hate speech have become major concerns globally because they can: Influence public opinion, Increase social tensions, Affect elections, Damage trust in institutions, encourage hostility between communities.
The rise of artificial intelligence tools has also made it easier to create realistic but misleading digital content.
