Imagine a vibrant gathering in Lagos, Nigeria, where brilliant minds from various walks of life came together with a vital mission: to make sure that the upcoming 2027 general elections are fair, factual, and free from the murky waters of misinformation. Think of it as a grand brainstorming session, a “Meeting of Nigerian regulators on information integrity,” all focused on ensuring that our digital spaces – especially social media – become honest marketplaces of ideas. The dream is simple: everyone should be able to express themselves freely, and the platforms themselves should play by their own rules, actively removing anything that breaks national laws and spreads lies. This isn’t just about lofty ideals; it’s about safeguarding the very heart of democracy.
The first day of this crucial meeting felt a bit like a peek into the future, as experts from UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) unveiled a groundbreaking “Practical Guide” designed to help countries in West Africa and the Sahel fight information pollution. It was a proud moment for Nigeria, as Ebuebu, a key figure there, proudly declared that the country wasn’t just following international guidelines; it was helping to write them. He emphasized that Nigeria’s unique experiences, the challenges it has faced, and its innovative regulatory approaches would directly shape how this guide is used across the entire region. This wasn’t just an honor; it was a profound responsibility, a chance for Nigeria to lead the way in building a more truthful digital world. Michel Kenmoe, another UNESCO expert, echoed these sentiments, pointing out a stark reality: the World Economic Forum has repeatedly identified misinformation and disinformation as top global risks, not just digital nuisances, but serious threats to our democracy, elections, social harmony, peace, security, and even our basic trust in public institutions.
Lawrence Bayode, the Director of Information and Communication Technology at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), delivered a powerful keynote address that truly hit home. He explained that in today’s world, elections aren’t just won or lost at the ballot box; they’re fought in the digital realm. He painted a picture of a battlefield of narratives, algorithms, viral content, and even artificial intelligence, all vying for influence. His message was clear and urgent: if we fail to protect our information environment, we effectively undermine even the most credible electoral processes. He urged everyone present not to let this meeting be just another conversation, but a transformative moment where institutions move from merely being aware of the problem to actively taking action, from working in isolation to coordinating their efforts, and from having good intentions to actually implementing solutions. His hope was that, together, they could ensure that in Nigeria, truth would not be drowned out by noise, trust would not be eroded by manipulation, and democracy would not be weakened by misinformation.
The international community was also keenly invested in this initiative. Carlos Rojas-Arbulú, from the Deputy High Commission of Canada in Lagos, expressed Canada’s pleasure in supporting this meeting, highlighting its commitment to strengthening digital platform governance in ways that promote transparency, accountability, and the interests of citizens. He noted that this effort perfectly aligns with Canada’s Africa Strategy, which prioritizes democratic governance, digital resilience, and robust partnerships that reinforce institutions and expand the space for civic engagement. Similarly, Lilian Seffer, representing GIZ Nigeria and ECOWAS (the Economic Community of West African States), emphasized the critical relevance of these discussions for Nigeria and the wider ECOWAS region. She observed how digital platforms increasingly shape political discourse, elections, public health, climate action, and social cohesion. However, she also pointed out that the responsibility for tackling these challenges is often spread across various institutions, underscoring the vital importance of coordination and dialogue. She believes the Guide for Regulators on Information Integrity provides an excellent foundation for these discussions, promoting practical, rights-based, and context-specific approaches to platform governance and information integrity.
Seffer concluded by stressing that effective responses to disinformation demand cooperation from all sides. She emphasized that regulators, media organizations, civil society groups, researchers, and regional institutions all have crucial roles to play in this collective effort. She also reassured the attendees that German cooperation remains steadfast in its support for regional stakeholders, helping them strengthen strategic communication, institutional coordination, and inclusive dialogue on the evolving challenges of digital governance. This collaborative spirit was evident in the diverse group of participants. Regulatory bodies like NBC, NITDA, NDPC, INEC, and the National Human Rights Commission, among others, were present, signifying a unified governmental front.
Beyond government, a vibrant array of civil society organizations, the true watchdogs of our communities, were also actively involved. Groups like Media Rights Agenda (MRA) and TechSocietal, who co-organized the event, stood shoulder-to-shoulder with others like Accountability Lab, Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), Digi Africa Lab, International Press Centre (IPC), and FactMattersNG. The presence of organizations such as the MILID Foundation, Nigerian Guild of Editors, Paradigm Initiative, SERAP, TechHer, Wikimedia Foundation, and Yiaga Africa highlighted the widespread commitment to countering election disinformation, promoting human rights, and fostering responsible social media usage. This entire inspiring effort was made possible through the generous support of various international partners, including Global Affairs Canada (GAC), GIZ through its OD/ISE II Programme, and the EU Support to ECOWAS in Peace, Security and Governance (EPSG) Project, demonstrating a truly global commitment to safeguarding information integrity in Nigeria and beyond.