FG Urges Citizens’ Collective Support for Reforms, Cautions Against Destabilizing Misinformation and Fake News Threatening National Unity

The Federal Government today, Wednesday, November 19, 2025, made a fervent appeal to all Nigerians, seeking their active and unwavering support for the success of the ongoing reforms aimed at stabilizing the economy and improving national security. The government simultaneously issued a strong caution against the pervasive threat of misinformation and fake news.

Speaking at a public engagement forum, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, emphasized that achieving the objectives of the “Renewed Hope” agenda requires a unified national effort and a commitment to truth.

“We are at a critical juncture in our national history where tough, necessary decisions are being made for long-term prosperity. These decisions require the collective support and understanding of every citizen,” the Minister stated. “However, this moment is being undermined by the deliberate and malicious spread of misinformation designed to cause panic, incite unrest, and erode public trust.”

The Threat of Foreign and Local Falsehoods

Idris pointed out that the government is particularly concerned about narratives that seek to create division and complicate the security response—a reference coming just a day after the Presidency admitted that the Kebbi school abduction occurred despite intelligence warnings.

He specifically called on Nigerians to be vigilant against “destabilizing foreign narratives” and false claims that attempt to delegitimize the government’s efforts. The Minister stressed that fake news is not only a political problem but a severe national security threat that can trigger chaos and inflame communal tensions.

To combat the phenomenon, the Minister reaffirmed the government’s strategy of proactive transparency and media literacy. He encouraged citizens to rely on credible official and traditional media sources and to subject all information received on social media to serious scrutiny before sharing.

The government maintains that increased public knowledge and citizen engagement, anchored in accurate information, are the most effective means to ensure that the ongoing national efforts translate into tangible democratic dividends for all Nigerians.