Crisis Communication Now a National Security Asset, Says CCC Chairman Olukolade
The Chairman of the Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC), Major General Chris Olukolade (Rtd.), has described crisis communication as a strategic national security asset that Nigeria must urgently strengthen to keep pace with the realities of a rapidly evolving digital environment.
Speaking at the 1st National Crisis Communication Symposium on Digital Innovation held at the National Defence College, Abuja, he noted that modern emergencies unfold in real time; therefore, timely, accurate and technology-driven communication has become indispensable to national stability, public trust and emergency response.
According to him, the proliferation of digital misinformation—now amplified by artificial intelligence and fast-moving social media platforms—poses a direct threat to Nigeria’s ability to manage crises effectively. This, he explained, calls for a proactive, predictive and digitally powered crisis communication system that dismantles institutional silos and enables early-warning detection, instant verification of information, swift counter-misinformation efforts, and improved inter-agency coordination.
Reinforcing this point, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, who delivered the keynote address, warned that crises are being shaped by a digital environment where technology is increasingly weaponized by bad actors.
He stressed that although technology is neutral, its impact depends on how it is deployed, noting that false news, manipulated content and AI-generated misinformation often escalate tensions, particularly during elections.
He traced global incidents that demonstrate how social media can trigger economic instability or fuel social movements, adding that such examples highlight the urgent need for better digital governance. Consequently, he called for the creation of an AI-driven national crisis communication task force to monitor emerging risks and strengthen digital readiness.
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Inuwa also revealed that Google, LinkedIn and TikTok removed over 28 million accounts linked to fraud, impersonation and harmful activities in the past year, while more than 58.9 million harmful content items were taken down and 420,000 reinstated after further review. These measures, he said, reflect improvements in collaboration between the Federal Government and major tech companies.
However, he stressed the need for a transparent, standardised process for content takedown and reinstatement to ensure that harmful material is removed quickly while protecting minority voices. He highlighted Nigeria’s ongoing regulatory reforms, including the establishment of the Nigerian Data Protection Commission and the development of the proposed Online Harm Protection Bill, emphasizing that co-created regulations would ensure better accountability in the digital space.
Supporting these positions, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mallam Mohammed Idris Malagi—represented by the Director General of the Voice of Nigeria, Mallam Jibrin Ndace—commended the CCC for organising the symposium at a time when digital tools significantly shape public engagement. He noted that as social media and artificial intelligence increasingly determine how information spreads, platforms such as this symposium are essential for strengthening national communication strategies.
The Minister stressed that these tools must be used responsibly to promote unity and resolution rather than escalate tensions, adding that he looked forward to the next edition of the symposium as a means of further consolidating Nigeria’s crisis communication framework.
Furthermore, expert contributions from professionals such as Dr. Omoniyi Ibietan of APRA, Mr. Musikilu Mojeed of Premium Times, representatives of the Nigerian Data Protection Commission, and the spokesperson of the Nigeria Customs Service, ACC Abdullahi Maiwada, reinforced the need for collaboration across sectors.
Their discussions underscored the importance of ethical digital practices, improved regulatory compliance, enhanced data protection, and better digital literacy—all aimed at preparing the country for the complex realities of crisis management in the digital age.
Bringing the discussions together, General Olukolade reiterated the CCC’s commitment to advancing a unified, innovation-driven crisis communication ecosystem capable of delivering real-time, verified information to protect national security.
As the symposium convened military officers, security personnel, responders, journalists and stakeholders from various sectors, it ended with a renewed resolve to leverage artificial intelligence, data analytics and responsible communication practices in safeguarding the nation from emerging threats.
By PRNigeri
