…unveils crisis communication hub
The Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC) has sounded a warning over a growing wave of misinformation, rising political tension, and worsening insecurity narratives in Nigeria’s information space, cautioning that the trend could undermine the 2027 general elections if not urgently addressed.
The group made this known on Friday in Abuja during the presentation of its latest media-monitoring report, where it also unveiled plans to establish a national Crisis Communication Hub (CCHub) to improve coordinated information management during emergencies.
Chairman of the Centre, Major General Chris Olukolade (Rtd), said findings from the report reveal an uptick in insecurity-related discourse, heightened political anxiety, and the rapid spread of false information across digital platforms.
According to him, the study, powered by PRrev, an AI-driven media monitoring and social-listening tool developed by Image Merchants Promotion Limited (IMPR), tracked conversations across X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, WhatsApp groups, online media platforms, and diaspora forums.
Olukolade noted that public sentiment reflects deepening fear over insecurity, frustration with leadership, and mixed reactions to government interventions, adding that such sentiments are being amplified by both verified information and deliberate falsehoods.
The report flagged key concerns, including the increasing spread of fake news, more sophisticated forged content, and a rise in politically driven disinformation ahead of the 2027 elections.
It also identified private messaging platforms like WhatsApp as major channels for misinformation, complicating efforts to track and counter false narratives.
CCC further observed that delays or lack of clarity in official communication during crises often create a vacuum that fuels rumours and speculation, warning that persistent gaps could erode public trust and destabilise the country.
To address the challenge, the CCC announced the proposed Crisis Communication Hub (CCHub), envisioned as an independent, multi-stakeholder platform for coordinated crisis information management.
Olukolade explained that the hub would focus on real-time detection and response to fake news, support communication efforts across all tiers of government, and strengthen public confidence in official messaging.
He stressed that the platform would not serve as a censorship mechanism but rather a collaborative framework involving government institutions, media bodies, civil society, and technology partners to ensure the timely and accurate dissemination of information.
Key stakeholders expected to be part of the initiative include the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation (FMINO), the Nigeria Police Force, the Defence Headquarters, and the Department of State Services (DSS).
Others are the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), and civil society organisations.
The Centre recommended improved coordination in crisis communication, strengthened fact-checking systems, deeper collaboration among stakeholders, and increased public awareness to help citizens identify misinformation.
With political activities gradually building ahead of 2027, Olukolade emphasised the urgency of reinforcing Nigeria’s crisis communication architecture.
He said: “The CCC remains committed to supporting efforts that promote accurate information, responsible communication, and national unity.”
