NITDA to partner NUJ FCT to counter disinformation ahead of 2027 elections

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has pledged to strengthen its partnership with the Nigeria Union of Journalists FCT Council to combat disinformation and promote credible information dissemination ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, made this known in a goodwill message delivered during the 2026 NUJ FCT Press Week in Abuja.

Abdullahi described the theme of the press week, “2027 Elections: Defending Nigeria’s Democracy in the Age of Disinformation,” as timely and critical, noting that the rise of digital technology has expanded access to information while also increasing the spread of falsehood and manipulation.

According to him, disinformation poses a major threat to democratic values because it undermines public trust and distorts facts.

“We live in an era where technology has democratized the flow of information, but it has also weaponized falsehoods. Disinformation does not just distort facts; it erodes the very trust that holds a democratic society together,” he said.

The NITDA boss said journalists remain frontline defenders of truth and democratic accountability, stressing that technology alone cannot address the challenge of fake news and misinformation without professional ethics and integrity.

“At NITDA, we firmly believe that technology should be an instrument for empowerment, not polarization. However, code and algorithms alone cannot fight disinformation—it requires human integrity, critical thinking, and a steadfast commitment to the truth,” he stated.

He assured journalists of the agency’s continued support through digital literacy programmes, tools, and frameworks aimed at helping media professionals navigate the evolving digital information space safely and effectively.

Abdullahi also commended the NUJ FCT Council under the leadership of Comrade Grace Ike for organising what he described as a holistic and impactful press week programme that combines intellectual engagement with mental health advocacy and community outreach.

He expressed optimism that deliberations during the event would contribute to strengthening democracy and promoting an informed society.

The 2026 NUJ FCT Press Week attracted media practitioners, government officials, security representatives, and other stakeholders from across the country.