FG to Partner CCC on National Crisis Communication Hub to Combat Misinformation
The Federal Government has signalled its readiness to adopt a more assertive, technology-driven approach to managing national emergencies and countering disinformation in Nigeria’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mallam Mohammed Idris, made this known during a high-level briefing in Abuja when the Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC), led by Major General Chris Olukolade (Rtd), presented the formal report of the National Symposium on Digital Innovation in Crisis Communication.
At the heart of the proposed collaboration is the establishment of a National Crisis Communication Hub (NCCH), envisioned as an independent, multi-stakeholder platform designed to strengthen Nigeria’s crisis response architecture. The Hub is expected to provide real-time monitoring of digital threats, including fake news, hate speech, and coordinated misinformation campaigns as they emerge. It will also harmonise communication across government agencies during emergencies to prevent conflicting narratives and minimise public panic.
In addition, the NCCH will leverage Artificial Intelligence tools for predictive analysis, enabling authorities to anticipate and mitigate potential communication crises before they escalate.
Describing the initiative as “timely and commendable,” Minister Idris acknowledged that government alone cannot effectively manage the complexities of today’s information ecosystem.
“What the Centre has been doing to counter misinformation through structured crisis communication strategies is vital,” the Minister said. “We must also ensure the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence while upholding the norms and values of our country.”
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Beyond monitoring and response coordination, the CCC proposed the introduction of a Crisis Communication Perception Index (CCPI), a data-driven assessment framework designed to evaluate institutional performance during crises. The index will measure preparedness through anticipatory communication strategies, responsiveness based on the speed of information dissemination, transparency in terms of accuracy and openness, and digital resilience in countering misinformation.
A major highlight of the engagement was the presentation of a specialised research study titled “Artificial Intelligence and Crisis Communication in Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects.” The study, authored by Yushau A. Shuaib, consultant to the Centre and publisher of PRNigeria, outlines a strategic roadmap for the Ministry and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) to modernise Nigeria’s communication architecture in line with global best practices.
General Olukolade disclosed that NITDA has already endorsed the policy recommendations contained in the report and has commenced collaboration with the CCC toward operationalising the proposed digital communication hub.
In further strengthening institutional synergy, the CCC sought ministerial support for the revitalisation of the Strategic Communication Inter-agency Policy Committee (SCIPC). The platform, earlier endorsed by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), is designed to harmonise messaging among security and paramilitary agencies during critical incidents.
General Olukolade urged the Ministry of Information to provide technical oversight to ensure that inter-agency communication efforts align seamlessly with Nigeria’s broader national orientation objectives.
Reaffirming the government’s openness to reform and collaboration, Mallam Idris concluded that Nigeria remains committed to partnerships that will enhance transparency, strengthen public trust, and build a resilient national communication framework capable of navigating the challenges of the digital age.
By PRNigeria
