The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have expressed concerns about the role of social media in fuelling insecurity and tension in Nigeria. During a nationwide roadshow in Abuja, the two organisations warned that misinformation and irresponsible social media use are exacerbating the country's security challenges. The roadshow was organised by the NIPR ahead of the 2026 World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) scheduled to take place in Abuja in November.
The NIPR and NSCDC emphasised the need for responsible communication and the potential security consequences of spreading false or unverified information. Dr. Olusola Odumosu, FCT Commandant of the NSCDC, warned that unverified information could create fear, cause confusion, and expose innocent people to attacks. He also raised concerns about old photographs and videos being presented as recent incidents, which could mislead the public and create the impression of a crisis where none exists.
The NSCDC commandant linked the campaign to the theme of the forthcoming WPRF, "Responsible Communication: The Voice of the World". He stressed that the way information is communicated can influence how the public responds to events. Odumosu warned that irresponsible communication could have consequences beyond online discussions, particularly when false reports concern security incidents, ethnic or religious tensions, banditry, kidnapping, or attacks.
The warning comes as social media continues to play a major role in how Nigerians receive and distribute information. While social media platforms allow information to reach large audiences quickly, misleading material can spread just as rapidly. The NIPR said the roadshow is part of activities leading to WPRF Abuja 2026, which will bring communication professionals and stakeholders together to discuss emerging issues affecting the profession and the wider information environment.
Dr. Suleiman Haruna, Chairman of the National Planning Committee for WPRF Abuja 2026, drew attention to the growing influence of artificial intelligence on information production and distribution. He acknowledged that people have a constitutional right to express their views but stressed that such freedom should be exercised with consideration for the rights and safety of others. Haruna said the increasing use of artificial intelligence had introduced additional challenges for information integrity.
The NIPR and NSCDC are urging users to pause and verify information before forwarding it, particularly when the content relates to security incidents or could provoke public reaction. The World Public Relations Forum is scheduled for November 15 to 21, 2026, in Abuja. The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, had earlier pledged the Nigeria Police Force's support for the event, with the NIPR stressing the importance of stronger cooperation between communication professionals and security institutions.
The NIPR FCT Chapter Chairman, Stanley Ogadigo, said Nigeria secured the right to host the World Public Relations Forum after a competitive bidding process. He described the hosting opportunity as one that should attract broad support from Nigerians, corporate organisations, and institutions. The event will also take place alongside the 37th annual conference of the African Public Relations Association (APRA).
Key points
- The NIPR and NSCDC are urging Nigerians to verify information before sharing it to prevent the spread of misinformation and fuelling insecurity.
- The 2026 World Public Relations Forum will bring communication professionals and stakeholders together to discuss emerging issues affecting the profession and the wider information environment.
- The increasing use of artificial intelligence has introduced additional challenges for information integrity, making it increasingly important for people to establish the origin and authenticity of information before accepting or sharing it.
