In a detailed press statement issued in Abuja and signed by its National President, Comrade James Ezema, the Association described the development as both a global endorsement of Nigeria and a defining test of the country’s commitment to information integrity.
“The Association considers this development a defining moment in Nigeria’s evolving information governance landscape and a strong global endorsement of the country’s potential to lead in advancing media literacy, digital responsibility, and information integrity,” the statement read.
ABJFN emphasized that the establishment of International Media and Information Literacy Institute places Nigeria in a strategic position to shape global responses to misinformation and disinformation, but warned that the opportunity must not be reduced to mere symbolism.
“Nigeria’s emergence as host of the world’s first institute of this kind represents a strategic opportunity to reposition the country as a hub for knowledge-driven solutions to the growing global challenge of misinformation and disinformation,” the Association stated.
However, it cautioned that hosting the institute must translate into real impact for citizens and democratic institutions.
“This milestone must extend beyond symbolism and translate into measurable, citizen-centered outcomes that strengthen democratic processes, media credibility, and public trust,” ABJFN stressed.
Central to its recommendations is the urgent creation of a coordinated national policy architecture to address information disorder. The Association called for “the urgent development of a comprehensive National Information Integrity Framework anchored on Media and Information Literacy principles,” noting that such a framework would provide a structured and sustainable response to the proliferation of false information.
According to the statement, the proposed framework should not only address institutional gaps but also empower citizens at the individual level.
“Such a framework should provide a coordinated national response to the proliferation of misinformation, while empowering citizens with the critical thinking skills required to navigate an increasingly complex digital information environment,” it added.
ABJFN further highlighted the shifting dynamics of information flow in the digital era, where traditional distinctions between media producers and audiences have largely dissolved.
“In today’s digital ecosystem, where every citizen functions as both a consumer and distributor of information, safeguarding the integrity of the information space must be treated as a shared national responsibility,” the statement declared.
To address this reality, the Association called for broad-based collaboration across sectors.
“It is therefore imperative that government institutions, media organizations, civil society actors, and the general public work collaboratively to build a resilient and trustworthy information ecosystem,” it said.
Beyond policy development, ABJFN outlined concrete steps to embed media literacy within the fabric of Nigerian society. It advocated for systemic reforms in education, public awareness, and professional standards within the digital media space.
Among its key recommendations, the Association called for “the integration of Media and Information Literacy into Nigeria’s educational curriculum across all levels,” alongside “the implementation of sustained nationwide public awareness campaigns on responsible digital engagement.”
It also stressed the importance of institutional collaboration and grassroots engagement, urging “the establishment of collaborative mechanisms between IMILI and civil society organizations to ensure effective grassroots impact.”
On the issue of professional accountability, ABJFN underscored the need for stronger regulatory and ethical frameworks within the digital publishing ecosystem.
The statement called for “ethical standards and certification systems for bloggers and digital publishers, alongside improved transparency and accountability in public communication by state institutions.”
ABJFN framed the stakes in stark terms, warning that misinformation is no longer a peripheral issue but a central threat to national stability.
“Fake news is no longer a peripheral media concern but a critical threat to national security, electoral integrity, and social cohesion,” the statement warned.
Despite the challenges, the Association reaffirmed its willingness to play an active role in advancing solutions, particularly through collaboration with IMILI and other stakeholders.
It affirmed “its readiness to partner with relevant stakeholders, including IMILI, to advance public education, capacity building, and policy advocacy aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s information ecosystem.”
In its closing remarks, ABJFN delivered a pointed message on the implications of Nigeria’s new global role.
“Nigeria cannot host a global institute dedicated to information integrity while tolerating systemic misinformation within its domestic environment,” the statement concluded, adding that “this moment, therefore, demands collective responsibility, institutional commitment, and sustained action.”