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Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, has approved the appointment of his elder brother, Adamu Mohammed, as the new first-class Emir of Duguri in Alkaleri Local Government Area of the state.

Until his appointment, Adamu Mohammed served as chairman of the Bauchi State Universal Basic Education Board (BASUBEB).

Presenting the letter of appointment on Friday, Aminu Hammayo, Secretary to the State Government, said the new emir was selected based on his track record of service and contributions to the state’s development.

Hammayo urged the monarch to lead with integrity, uphold the fear of God, and support government policies aimed at improving the lives of citizens. In his acceptance remarks, the new emir expressed gratitude to Governor Bala Mohammed for the confidence reposed in him and pledged his loyalty to both the state government and the Bauchi Emirate Council.

He assured that he would work towards promoting peace and fostering development across the Duguri Emirate.

Reigning African champions, the Super Falcons of Nigeria, secured a 2-0 victory over Benin Republic in the first leg of their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifier on Friday in Lomé, Togo.

First-half goals from Chinwendu Ihezuo and Esther Okoronkwo sealed Nigeria much much-needed three points to brighten Super Falcons’ 2026 WAFCON qualification ambition.

The Super Falcons began brightly, almost taking the lead in the 6th minute when Rasheedat Ajibade’s clever lob beat goalkeeper Ogoun but bounced off the crossbar. Folashade Ijamilusi then forced a fine save from Ogoun just two minutes later as Nigeria piled on early pressure. Benin’s low-block strategy soon crumbled when Deborah Abiodun split the defence with a precise pass to Ihezuo, who coolly slotted home in the 23rd minute to put Nigeria ahead.

Despite dominating possession, the Falcons had a scare in the 36th minute when Moumouni broke free down the flank and fired at goal, only to be denied by goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.

Nigeria doubled their advantage just before halftime, with Abiodun again the architect-threading another defence-splitting ball to Okoronkwo, who finished clinically to make it 2-0. Benin nearly pulled one back moments later, but Moumouni’s effort struck the post.

The second half saw fewer chances as both teams made tactical adjustments and substitutions. Benin pushed harder in search of a goal, but the Nigerian defence stood firm. In the final minute, Sadikou’s header from an in-swinging cross was superbly saved by Nnadozie to preserve the clean sheet.

The 2-0 win puts the Super Falcons in firm control ahead of the return leg at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex, Abeokuta, on Tuesday.

Nigeria and South Africa have reaffirmed commitments to transform their long-standing political and economic relationship into tangible development outcomes through joint projects and private-sector-driven initiatives.

This renewed momentum was highlighted at the South Africa-Nigeria Economic Diplomacy Roundtable held on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at MTN Plaza in Lagos, hosted by MTN with the theme ‘Africa’s Twin Engines: How Nigeria-South Africa Relations Can Position Africa as a Global Middle Power’.

In his keynote address, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described the roundtable as a landmark opportunity to deepen cooperation between Africa’s two largest economies.

‘This roundtable is not just another diplomatic meeting; it is a continuation of a historic partnership between two powerful African nations,’ he said. ‘The South Africa-Nigeria corridor is brimming with potential, and today’s discussions give us the chance to turn that potential into real, measurable progress.’

Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, Deputy Governor of Lagos State, outlined Lagos’ strategic role as a gateway to the West African economy, noting major infrastructure projects such as the Lagos-Badagry Expressway and the Lekki Deep Sea Port, alongside a massive 3,000-kilometre MetroFibre broadband project that is positioning the state as a smart, connected city.

He invited South African investors to explore Lagos’ fast-growing value chains in manufacturing, logistics, renewable energy, fintech, and the creative economy. ‘We can build a corridor of shared prosperity that connects the industrial strength of South Africa with the innovation and market depth of Lagos to power the next chapter of Africa’s growth story,’ he said. ‘I want this Lagos Roundtable to stand as a turning point that moves us beyond goodwill and dialogue into the realm of action and measurable outcomes.’ Speaking at the event, Thandi Moraka, South Africa’s Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, said both countries are now moving from policy to action, implementing resolutions from the 11th Bi-National Commission (BNC) held in Cape Town in December 2024.

‘We are now entering the implementation phase of the BNC decisions. Turning outcomes into projects requires strong coordination, credible partnerships, and continuous political oversight,’ Moraka stated. ‘Our governments can create enabling frameworks, but the private sector must turn those frameworks into reality.’

Moraka highlighted that the BNC had directed the creation of the Joint Ministerial Advisory Council on Industry, Trade and Investment (JMACITI), a new mechanism designed to identify and remove trade bottlenecks, align regulations, and facilitate targeted investments between South African and Nigerian companies.

‘This is what ‘turning outcomes into projects’ looks like in practice, where we are transforming what was in a communique into a functioning, problem-solving mechanism,’ she explained. In his welcome address, Karl Toriola, Chief Executive Officer, MTN Nigeria, emphasised that the roundtable aimed to translate intent into execution by identifying specific cross-border pilot projects and timelines for delivery.

‘We meet for a simple purpose; to turn intent into execution,’ he said. ‘When South Africa and Nigeria act together, we can transform shared potential into measurable progress for our people and our continent. MTN will continue to provide the digital infrastructure, platforms, and partnerships needed to make this collaboration real.’

Sani-Omolori Aliyu, Bauchi State Commisioner of Police, has urged the newly recruited officers not to use Police uniforms to intimidate, harass or extort Nigerians wherever they may be posted or deployed, asking them to remain committed to the service and safeguard public sphere.

The Commissioner gave the charge while addressing Police officers at the Parade Ground, emphasising the importance of discipline, dedication and commitment in ensuring public safety.

He said that all the newly recruited constables would be deployed across the 20 Local Government Areas of Bauchi State, with the aimed of strengthening grassroots policing and enhancing community safety. ‘You are now representatives of the Nigeria Police Force. Your uniform signifies not only authority, but also the trust and responsibility bestowed on you. The citizens of Bauchi State and Nigeria expect you to exemplify the highest standards of professionalism and integrity’, he said.

The Police boss urged the new officers to embody the core values of the Force, which include discipline, loyalty, courage and respect for human rights. He highlighted their essential role in reviving positive perception, rebuilding public trust, and enhancing security in their respective communities. ‘Your uniform should symbolise protection, not serve as a means to intimidate, harass, or extort citizens; it represents a commitment to service and safeguard the public sphere’, he added.

He highlighted the significance of using social media responsibly and adhering to the Nigeria Police Act, 2020, which prohibits unprofessional behaviour that could undermine the reputation of the Force.

He also acknowledged the dedication of the instructors and staff at the Police Training School in Bauchi, who play a vital role in nurturing future Police officers.

The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has intensified its Nationwide Rabies Vaccination Campaign, deploying field teams to eight high-risk States as part of efforts to eliminate the deadly virus across Nigeria by 2030.

The exercise, which took place simultaneously across Bauchi, Cross River, FCT, Gombe, Kano, Lagos, Osun and Plateau States last week, followed the official flag-off by Idi Mukhtar Maiha, Minister of Livestock Development on 29th September 2025.

Leading the Ministry’s delegation to Plateau State, Samuel Anzaku, Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria (CVON), reaffirmed the Federal Government’s determination to eradicate rabies nationwide. He urged State Governments, veterinary professionals, and communities to work collaboratively to sustain vaccination and awareness efforts. ‘The theme of this year’s commemoration – ‘You, Me, and Community’ – reminds us that rabies elimination cannot be achieved by government efforts alone. It is a shared responsibility and a collective investment in the health and safety of our communities,’ Anzaku stated.

Under the Ministry’s One Health framework, a total of 26,000 doses of anti-rabies vaccines have been procured for deployment across the eight targeted States.

Plateau State received 3,000 doses, while the University of Jos Veterinary Teaching Hospital got 1,200 doses to support surveillance and vaccination activities. Sunday Akpa, Plateau State Commissioner for Livestock Development and Joshua Sunday Riti, Bassa LGA Chairman, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for the intervention, pledging continued support to sustain the campaign.

Speaking on behalf of Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos, Lami Hannatu Lombin, Director, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, disclosed that Bassa Local Government Area recorded 25 rabies cases in 2025 alone, resulting in 12 deaths, including a family of three who succumbed to dog bites. Describing the situation as ‘deeply tragic,’ Lombin emphasised the urgency of strengthening public awareness and routine vaccination to prevent further fatalities. She commended the Ministry for its swift response and assured that the vaccines would be used judiciously to bolster Plateau’s rabies control efforts.

Dignitaries at the Plateau event included Markus Avory, Special Adviser to the Governor on Livestock Matters, Gideon Agaldo, Executive Assistant to the Governor (Efficiency Unit), Nicholas Nwankpa, Executive Director, NVRI, Kumtap Yilji Cashmir and Pam Luka, NVMA Plateau Chairman.

Traditional rulers, district, and village heads also attended, pledging their communities’ cooperation.

The delegation later inspected one of the six cold room facilities donated by the Norwegian Refugee Council for vaccine storage in the State.

A community-driven blockchain project that combines artificial intelligence and decentralised participation to solve real-world problems is set to launch in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

The initiative, powered by EL-HAKAVOD Consulting in partnership with TAGET, is built on the Solana blockchain and seeks to shift cryptocurrency use from speculation to social impact.

According to the organisers, the platform will enable communities to submit problems such as lack of potable water, poor healthcare, education gaps or social injustice, while AI tools verify claims and blockchain technology ensures transparency.

‘We are not building another meme coin or speculative asset; this project is about using digital assets to solve real problems. Anyone from any part of the world can submit a challenge, and the solution process will be traceable on the blockchain.’ Imoh Austin, Lead Consultant for EL-HAKAVOD Consulting, said.

According to him, to ensure broad participation, 55 per cent of the project’s one billion-token supply has been allocated to the community, saying that holders will be able to stake, vest and earn up to 16 per cent annual returns while voting on governance decisions.

‘We want ownership to be collective from day one, no hidden wallets or manipulation. Every vote, mission and transaction will be open on the blockchain.’ Austin explained.

‘The project introduces a dual treasury system, a Mission Treasury to fund humanitarian and community projects, and an Operational Treasury for ecosystem development, partnerships and innovation.

This structure guarantees sustainability and prevents mismanagement. We designed it so that impact and growth can run side-by-side without conflict,’ Austin explained.

He likened the platform to a decentralised version of crowdfunding systems like GoFundMe but with stronger accountability. ‘People know GoFundMe,’ but this takes it further. With AI verification and blockchain records, nobody can fake a problem or siphon funds. You can trace every coin from donation to delivery.’

Austin, who spoke extensively on digital illiteracy in Akwa Ibom, said part of the project’s mandate is education. ‘I am not comfortable with the level of digital awareness in our state,’ he said. ‘Many people don’t even understand what cryptocurrency or blockchain is. That’s why we are not just launching a coin; we are launching an education movement.’ He revealed that the organisation has been holding cryptocurrency symposia and training sessions to demystify blockchain technology for young people.

‘We know there’s confusion between Ponzi schemes, forex and blockchain, Blockchain is not Forex. It is a decentralised system where assets are traceable, transparent and protected from manipulation.’

On concerns about fraud, he said the technology itself promotes transparency. ‘In blockchain, every transaction is traceable. Nobody can hide anything,’ he stated. ‘Fraud exists everywhere, even in government, but this platform is built to expose and prevent it.’

Austin further disclosed that the team has registered the project as a limited liability company and secured partnerships, including a tech skill centre in Akwa Ibom, where young people will be trained in blockchain and artificial intelligence. ‘We want to train at least 1,000 young people in decentralised finance in the next five years,’ he mentioned.

He also hinted at collaborations with local government officials to empower unemployed graduates with digital skills. ‘Enough of seeing graduates in betting shops,’ he said. ‘If they understand this system, they can create value and earn legally from the blockchain.’

On the financial prospects of the project, Austin said early adopters stand to benefit. ‘People ask, ‘What will I gain?’ The truth is, cryptocurrency has transformed lives globally. If they come in early and understand the system, they can solve personal financial problems. But this is not a get-rich-quick scheme,’ he warned.

He stressed that the project is anchored on legitimacy and global standards. ‘We are launching on the Solana blockchain, an internationally recognised network,’ he said. ‘You can verify it on CoinMarketCap, we are on Facebook, X space and Telegram as Community Token. This is not hidden.

‘The public launch and official name unveiling will take place on Sunday, at Café One, Oron Road, Uyo. Stakeholders, tech enthusiasts, community leaders and young innovators are expected to attend.

‘This is a chance for Akwa Ibom to be part of something global. The world is moving towards digital finance and decentralised systems. We don’t want to be left behind.’ He maintained

The FATF announced the delisting at its plenary in Paris, France, on Friday, according to Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.

The FATF is the world’s foremost standard-setting body for combating money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation financing.

The statement noted that the announcement formally removed Nigeria from the list of jurisdictions under increased monitoring, commonly referred to as the ‘grey list’.

President Tinubu described the development as ‘a major milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards economic reform, institutional integrity and global credibility.’

‘This decision followed Nigeria’s successful and timely completion of its FATF Action Plan, marking over two years of sustained effort, reform and inter-agency coordination aimed at strengthening the country’s Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) framework. ‘In February 2023, the FATF placed Nigeria on the grey list. The message from the global community was clear: the nation needed more vigorous enforcement, better coordination, and greater transparency. Rather than treat this as a setback, Nigeria viewed it as a call to action.’

Onanuga also noted that under President Tinubu’s strategic leadership and in line with the economic transformation agenda of his administration, ‘Nigeria implemented far-reaching legal, institutional and operational reforms.

‘This was achieved through the coordination of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), working in conjunction with the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the Minister of Finance, and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and the Minister of Interior.’

President Tinubu applauded the vital support from the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Minister of Aviation, the Minister for Budget and Economic Planning, the Minister for Defence, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Minister for Solid Minerals, the Minister of State for Finance, the National Security Adviser as well as the leadership of the National Assembly and the Judiciary, in the attainment of the laudable achievement.

Tinubu also commended Hafsat Bakari, the director/chief executive officer of the NFIU, and the staff for their diligence in ensuring the complete and timely implementation of the country’s Action Plan. He noted that the NFIU’s work has led to the recognition by the international community of the strides Nigeria has made in strengthening its measures to tackle serious crimes.

‘Without their dedication and sacrifice, today’s success could not have been achieved. I thank them for their efforts and urged other stakeholders to emulate their standards,’ President Tinubu said.

He also commended all Ministries, Agencies, their heads and private sector representatives who contributed to the delisting through their active participation in the National Task Force on AML/CFT.

Among these are the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, the Registrar-General of the Corporate Affairs Commission, the Chief of the Defence Staff, the Director-General of the Department of State Services, the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission.

Others are; the National Coordinator National Counter-Terrorism Centre, the Chairman National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, the Commissioner/Chief Executive Officer of the National Insurance Commission, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service. He also applauded the effort of the Managing Director Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority, the Inspector-GeneralNigeria Police Force, and the Director-General Securities and Exchange Commission, as well as all their dedicated staff.

Nigeria’s efforts in completing the Action Plan were complemented by the country’s close partnership with the FATF and the Inter-Governmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA).

President Tinubu acknowledged the strong support of international partners, the Governments of France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, the United Nations and the European Commission, for their steadfast technical assistance during Nigeria’s reform process.

According to the President, Nigeria’s removal from the FATF grey list is ‘not just a technical accomplishment, it is a strategic victory for our economy and a renewed vote of confidence in Nigeria’s financial governance.

‘The exit from the FATF grey list marks the beginning of a new chapter in the nation’s financial reform agenda as Nigeria will sustain the already institutionalised reforms, deepen institutional collaboration and continue to build a financial system that Nigerians and the world can trust.’

Nigeria’s textile industry, once a thriving sector, has been on a steady decline, with over 180 textile mills shutting down in recent years.

Textile manufacturers reeled under the heavy weight of unbridled importation and policy somersaults that lasted for decades.

They borrow from banks at an average interest rate of 32 percent and spend billions per month on diesel or other forms of energy, due to an inadequate power supply to industrial zones.

The security of cotton farmers and textile makers, who are mostly located in northern Nigeria, has become a serious matter due to worsening insecurity in the region. In areas where there is relative peace in northern Nigeria, such as Kano, Kaduna and Sokoto, cotton, an essential raw material at textile mills, is often scarce.

Farmers no longer see the business as lucrative, as patronage from ginneries has become low, just as it is for locally made textile materials. Out of over 210 ginneries in the 1980s, fewer than 15 are now in operation throughout a country of over 200 million people.

Textile manufacturers are also poorly patronised by the Nigerian consumers, as well as governments at the state and federal levels. Ironically, these two tiers of government sing and clap in the media, asking their subjects to buy made-in-Nigeria products.

The industry, which once employed over 500,000 people across the value chain, also suffered from the influx of cheap imported textiles as local manufacturers were unable to compete due to the combination of the factors stated above.

The decline of the textile industry makes it clear: Nigeria must prioritise local manufacturing to secure jobs and drive economic growth, says Aliko Dangote, president of Dangote Group and renowned industrialist.

The Nigeria First policy, focused on promoting domestic production and consumption, is essential for revitalizing manufacturing and ensuring sustainable economic growth.

Reviving local manufacturing requires not just protectionist measures but also strategic investments in infrastructure, technology, inputs and skills development to restore competitiveness, according to Dangote.

Dangote, at the 5th Adeola Odutola lecture recently in Lagos, said that the Nigeria First policy represents a bold opportunity to industrialise sustainably.

He noted that its success depends on clear legislation, institutional enforcement, stable policy implementation and strong alignment across government agencies and industry.

He said that countries such as China, South Korea, Indonesia and Malaysia have shown that a strong manufacturing base is crucial for job creation, innovation and export-driven growth. India is a clear example of a country that has expanded its manufacturing base using the ‘Make in India’ policy to drive growth.

Since the policy was introduced in 2014, it has expanded India’s position in the Original Equipment Manufacturer suppliers’ market and attracted a sharp rise in foreign direct investment equity inflow into the country.

‘Like in earlier times before the Make in India policy, if you have placed the order for 50 transformers, most Indian companies might not be able to deploy,’ Abhishek Singh, India’s high commissioner to Nigeria, said during the lecture in a panel discussion.

‘But today, even if you place an order of 5,000 transformers, they will be able to deploy. This shows there has been a great increase in the capacity of Indian firms since the initiative,’ he noted.

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has said that the Nigeria First policy holds the potential to significantly boost the fortune of the country’s manufacturing sector and improve the well-being of the Nigerian citizenry.

‘This is not just ambition,’ said Francis Meshioye, president of MAN. ‘A Nigeria First policy is a national economic necessity.’

For decades, Meshioye said the sector has relied on a development model built around import dependence and weak enforcement of local patronage obligations.

This model, he said, has delivered neither resilience nor inclusive growth, but contributed to the systemic underperformance of our industries.

‘If we do not intentionally support our own manufacturers, we will not be able to compete globally.’

‘It is unsustainable for Nigeria to continue subsidising the production and employment of other nations through unchecked imports, while our own factories continue to record low capacity utilisation and serial underperformance. MAN believes that the ‘Nigeria First’ policy is about building national resilience, creating jobs at home, saving foreign exchange, driving technological innovation, and giving Nigeria the productive foundation it needs to be competitive globally.

‘Every industrialised country began its journey by nurturing local content and leveraging public and private procurement as an avenue for galvanising scale production and economic development. Nigeria must not go the opposite direction,’ said Francis Meshioye, president of MAN.

The MAN president noted that to build a resilient, inclusive and forward-looking economy that investors will have confidence in, the country must re-industrialise, and that process must begin with deliberate support for local manufacturers.

Zulaihat Dikko Radda, First Lady of Katsina State and a leading advocate for polio eradication, has launched a renewed campaign to eliminate the crippling disease across the state.

Speaking at an event held at Government House, Katsina, to commemorate World Polio Day, Radda called for stronger collaboration among families, community leaders, and health authorities to sustain the fight against polio and other preventable childhood diseases.

‘As the world unites to observe World Polio Day, we are reminded that our shared fight against this crippling disease remains a pressing reality for many communities in Nigeria, particularly here in Katsina,’ Radda said.

She urged parents to ensure their children receive full immunisation, describing vaccination as ‘a gift of a future they deserve.’ She also appealed to traditional and religious leaders to leverage their influence in mobilising communities toward complete vaccine coverage.

Highlighting the emerging threat of the circulating variant poliovirus type 2 (cVPV2), Radda disclosed that Nigeria has recorded more than 70 cases across 14 states and 46 local government areas in 2024, with Katsina now identified as an epicentre of transmission.

‘In 2024 alone, Katsina recorded 17 cases, with two more emerging this year in Danmusa Local Government Area,’ she said. ‘These are children who deserve to run, play, and grow up free from preventable suffering.’

She reaffirmed her commitment to ensuring no child in Katsina is left behind in the state’s vaccination drive. Rahama Mohammed Farah, chief of UNICEF Field Office, Kano, commended the state’s renewed efforts, noting that the goal of a polio-free Nigeria is achievable through sustained community engagement and political will. ‘Polio eradication is truly within our reach, but success depends on our collective resolve to sustain momentum,’ Farah said. ‘Every child deserves a life free from the crippling effects of polio.’

He added that UNICEF, in partnership with government agencies and local stakeholders, has mobilised thousands of vaccination teams across Katsina to ensure no child is missed.

Also speaking, Shamsudeen Yahaya, executive secretary of the Katsina State Primary Health Care Agency, pledged to intensify awareness campaigns against polio and other child-killer diseases across the state’s 34 local government areas.

The event was attended by representatives of the World Health Organisation (WHO), polio survivors, UNICEF officials, and the wives of all 34 local government chairmen in the state.

A multi-stakeholder approach is said to be required in Nigeria in curbing the manifesting evidence of the increasing misuse of social media and AI technology in the country, experts have suggested.

In doing this, the Federal Government is urged to deploy the approach in driving public awareness on the danger of misuse of the digital devices through an active digital literacy campaign to ensure effective long-term defence of national interest, as well as the rights of the citizens.

The suggestions are the major takeaway from the ongoing 6th Kano Social Influencers Summit organised by the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), which concluded weekend in the commercial city of Kano.

The experts suggested a thought-provoking presentation entitled ‘Disinformation, Deepfake, and AI: Their Implications for Media and Public, delivered by Bala Mohammed, a professor in the Faculty of Communication, Bayero University, Kano (BUK), at the summit.

Bala, a professor of mass communication, in the presentation provided the intersection of disinformation, deepfakes, and AI, noting that wrongful deployment of AI has been identified as one of the greatest communication challenges confronting most African countries, including Nigeria, inclusive, in the 21st century.

He hinted that while AI holds immense promise for improving journalism and public communication, noting that its misuse threatens truth, democracy, and social stability, which requires a balanced approach is required.

The scholar stated that balancing the deployment of AI entails leveraging innovation that will ensure that is used ethically, and in promoting media literacy, believed to be a key to preserving public trust, and protecting the integrity of the shared information ecosystem.

‘The emerging information disorder manifesting in Nigeria is threatening peace, social cohesion, and orderly development of the country, and unfortunately, some citizens are deliberately encouraging the consumption of harmful information being pushed to them via social media and AI technology. The proponents of the prevailing information disorder in the country, amplifying their actions, spreading, and sharing harmful, manipulated AI-generated content that is, in most cases, incorrect, inaccurate, and in some cases, an outright misrepresentation of truth.

‘It is also disheartening that sharing and liking of these harmful contents are done by persons considered to be educated, a development is borne out of the rising culture of media illiteracy in the country, which is upscaling a growing culture of negative narratives that is threatening the peace and stability.

‘While I will not suggest an outright regulation of social media and AI space. I am, however, canvassing some measure of ethical and moral interventions, as well as limited regulatory measures that will guide the deployment of technological tools in the country.

‘I will also suggest that policy, legal, and legislative frameworks be put in place that will ensure that the technology are deployed responsibly, thereby curbing the recklessness associated with it deployment at the moment, in Nigeria’, he submitted in the presentation.

To address the identified challenges, Bala also suggested that a collective, multi-stakeholder approach is required to drive public awareness and digital literacy to ensure effective long-term defences.

He added that, in addition Government needs to scale up citizens’ education to critically assess and verify information sources, as well as media organisations need to adopt AI-based detection tools to identify synthetic content before publication.

Bala advised that a clear ethical and legal frameworks are urgently required to address AI misuse while protecting free speech, while collaboration between tech companies, journalists, and fact-checkers is said to be very essential for rapid response to disinformation campaigns that are being propagated in the country.