In today's digital age, protecting Nigeria's information environment is crucial for national security. The Centre for Crisis Communication recently hosted its Second National Symposium on Crisis Communication in Kaduna, bringing together over 150 participants from various sectors. The event highlighted the importance of inter-agency collaboration, public trust, and cyber threat management in crisis communication. With Nigeria's evolving security environment, experts emphasize that operational cooperation among security agencies must be matched by communication cooperation.
The symposium, themed "Inter-Agency Collaboration, Public Trust and Cyber Threat Management in Crisis Communication," featured keynote speakers and panel discussions. Major General Chris Olukolade, chairman of the Centre for Crisis Communication, noted that delayed or contradictory official information creates vacuums for rumors and manipulated narratives to thrive. Citing DataReportal, he stated that Nigeria had about 109 million internet users at the end of 2025, while losses to cybercrime between 2017 and 2023 were estimated at ₦1.1 trillion.
Brigadier General Murtala Abu, representing the Chief of Defence Staff, emphasized that operational collaboration without communication collaboration is incomplete. He warned that AI-generated content could deceive the public, and terrorism, kidnapping, and cybercrime demand collective institutional responses. As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, experts stress that coordinated crisis communication is essential to prevent misinformation and maintain public trust.
Commissioner for Information and Culture Ahmed Maiyaki, representing Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, argued that the battle for public trust is as consequential as the battle against insecurity. He cited the Kaduna Peace Model, which emphasizes dialogue, community participation, and early-warning mechanisms. Maiyaki noted that silence creates a vacuum, while credible information creates confidence, highlighting the importance of responsible communication.
The symposium's communiqué recommended an Integrated National Crisis Information Architecture, supported by standard operating procedures and clear protocols for harmonizing information-sharing and public communication. Participants also called for technological tools to detect disinformation and AI-generated deepfakes, stronger digital literacy, and regulatory safeguards that protect national security without undermining freedom of expression.
The Centre for Crisis Communication also unveiled the Nigerian Journal of Crisis Communication, a platform for research, case studies, and practical insights for professionals and policymakers. The Crisis Communication Hub, established following the Centre's inaugural symposium in November 2025, received the 2026 Golden World Award of the International Public Relations Association.
Experts stress that the real test of crisis communication will come during the next major security emergency. Will agencies share verified information rapidly? Will conflicting casualty figures be avoided? Will a designated lead institution communicate clearly? The progression from the first symposium to Kaduna suggests that crisis communication is gradually being treated as part of the architecture of national resilience.
Key points
- Experts emphasize the need for coordinated crisis communication to prevent misinformation and maintain public trust.
- The Centre for Crisis Communication recommends an Integrated National Crisis Information Architecture to harmonize information-sharing and public communication.
- The real test of crisis communication will come during the next major security emergency, requiring institutions to share verified information rapidly and communicate clearly.
