JUST IN: Nigerian govt begins process to tackle AI-driven misinformation

The Federal Government has commenced steps to address artificial intelligence (AI)-driven misinformation and digital manipulation.

Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja during a meeting with Dasuki Ibrahim Arabi, Director-General of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR), and his management team.

Idris said the government is strengthening media and information literacy to counter deepfakes and AI-driven manipulation.

He said public service reforms must be clearly communicated to prevent resistance and ensure transparency.

“Reforms must not only be implemented; they must also be effectively communicated. Where reforms are not properly understood, there is always resistance. Our duty is to ensure Nigerians understand that these reforms are designed for their greater good,” he said.

The minister added that digitisation reforms in public financial management have improved transparency and blocked leakages across ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs).

He said agencies under the ministry, including the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Voice of Nigeria (VON) and News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), will continue to amplify reform efforts.

Arabi said the BPSR is collaborating with the ministry to enhance reform communication and strengthen transparency across MDAs.

He added that digitisation initiatives have reduced irregularities such as ghost workers and improved payroll integrity at federal, state and local levels.