The Federal Government has dismissed what it described as false and malicious claims portraying Nigeria as a genocide destination.
The declaration was made during a meeting of Commissioners of Information held in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
Speaking on Wednesday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, said the government was aware of deliberate attempts to misrepresent the country and sow division through false information.
According to him, the campaign was designed to spread panic, undermine national unity, damage Nigeria’s image abroad, and discourage investment.
He said the government would not allow such falsehoods to go unchallenged, calling on information managers at all levels to counter them with facts and verifiable evidence.
‘Our first strategic imperative is to disarm and dislodge this corrosive narrative. Nigeria is not a destination for genocide, and we must rise up to protect our nation in the face of this,’ the Minister said.
Malagi commended Borno State for its resilience and courage in overcoming the challenges of insurgency, noting that the state had demonstrated strength in rebuilding lives and communities affected by conflict.
The Minister also acknowledged the sacrifices of the Nigerian military and other security agencies in defending the country and ensuring peace across affected regions.
He urged Commissioners of Information to work closely with state governments, community leaders, and civil society to promote credible information that reflects the true situation in the country.
Malagi said the forthcoming UNESCO Media and Information Literacy Institute in Abuja would strengthen government efforts to address misinformation and train information officers to identify and counter false campaigns.
He also drew attention to the new fiscal reforms passed into law by the National Assembly, which will take effect in January 2026, urging information officers to sensitise citizens about the reforms and their benefits.
‘The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is taking deliberate steps to build a more secure and equitable Nigeria. It is the responsibility of information officers to tell the story and show the direction the government is taking,’ he said.