The Niger State Government has threatened a crackdown on social media content creators accused of spreading misinformation, malicious reports and materials capable of causing tension among residents.
The state government warned that it would work to curb what it described as unethical practices by online content producers, insisting that the spread of harmful information would not be tolerated.
The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Obed Nuhu, issued the warning during an event organised ahead of the World Public Relations Forum, scheduled to hold in Abuja in November 2026.
Speaking after an early morning walk held as part of activities to herald the international event, Nuhu accused some content creators of using their phones and internet data to mislead the public and stir unnecessary tension.
He said the administration of Governor Umaru Bago was opposed to the circulation of malicious and injurious information and would explore measures to check the activities of those responsible.
“The state government is really against misinformation and activities of some content creators who indulge in malicious and injurious information,” Nuhu said.
He added that the government would work towards bringing qualified practitioners under recognised professional bodies, including the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
According to him, even if the activities of erring content creators could not be completely stopped, the government would seek to reduce them to the barest minimum.
Nuhu also charged members of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) to uphold professional standards and demonstrate responsibility in their work.
Backing the call for greater accountability, the Chairman of the Niger State Council of the NUJ, Dr Abu Nmodu, warned that content creators found engaging in misinformation and unethical conduct could face the law.
Nmodu urged the state government and policymakers to prioritise engagement with professional journalists and mainstream media organisations, arguing that such partnerships would be more beneficial than relying on content creators.
“If you strategically engage with the mainstream media, it will be more beneficial than the content creators,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Niger State Chairman of the NIPR, Alhaji Mamuld Abdullahi, called on residents, public officials and media practitioners to take advantage of the forthcoming World Public Relations Forum.
Abdullahi described Nigeria’s hosting of the event as a rare opportunity, noting that participants from 126 countries were expected to converge on Abuja.
He said the gathering would give Nigerian public relations practitioners access to international professional experiences without the huge expenses associated with travelling abroad to attend similar conferences.
Abdullahi urged NIPR members and the state government to participate actively in the event and ensure that the country benefited from the international gathering.
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