This threat from social media is both global and local and presents an immediate national security priority – NSA, Nuhu Ribadu

Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, has emphasized that the menace posed by social media has now become an urgent national security concern.

Addressing a gathering of spokespersons from various organizations affiliated with the Strategic Communication Interagency Policy Committee, Ribadu underscored that the adverse use of social media now presents both local and global security challenges.

Ribadu further disclosed that the National Security Strategy (NSS) underwent its last review in 2015, prompting the launch of the 2019 edition, which is currently undergoing reassessment.

He instructed media managers within defense, security, and emergency response agencies to revise their strategies for engaging with the public and combating misinformation disseminated by adversaries of the nation. Ribadu additionally characterized fake news, misinformation, and disinformation as threats to both national security and public discourse.

“Across the world, we have also assessed the adept use of social media platforms by those who seek power to shape public opinion against citizens. This threat is both global and local and presents an immediate national security priority.

“The urgency to prepare and be proactive in our national security strategic communication management is now, and the spokespersons have a critical role to play.

“Upon the sweat and blood of service personnel and the men and women who protect us daily, we must build a narrative of resilience and mobilise our people.

“We must tell their stories and sing their praise as part of a broader national strategic communication programme. As spokespersons, you have a critical role to play in effective governance communication to project our results and reach audiences at home and abroad.

“Countering fake news will require that we are ahead of the news and proactively update the public.”