The Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Digital and New Media, Strategic Communications, Ideation and Implementation, O’tega Ogra, has warned that government must take deliberate steps to regulate Nigeria’s evolving digital space to prevent misinformation and protect national stability.
Ogra spoke during an appearance on Channels Television’s News programme recently, where he stressed that social media, if left unchecked, could become a threat rather than a tool for national development.
According to him, government has a responsibility to safeguard the digital environment in ways that promote healthy public discourse while protecting national interests.
Ogra explained that as media platforms continue to evolve, legislation must also evolve to address emerging risks within the digital communication ecosystem.
READ ALSO: FAAN bans cash transactions Feb 29
He described the current information environment as “a clear and present danger that we all acknowledge,” noting that misinformation and unverified content are increasingly circulated online without consequences.
The media professional observed that content shared freely on social media in Nigeria would attract sanctions in some other countries, adding that enforcement mechanisms elsewhere often include fines or legal consequences.
Addressing debates around digital regulation, Ogra rejected the argument that the government should not regulate information sharing, insisting that protecting national interest remains a core responsibility of the government.
He noted that laws are not static and must adapt to technological and societal changes.
READ ALSO: Tax reform success hinges on execution discipline – Tegbe
According to him, legislation must reflect justice, fairness, equity, and national priorities, especially as digital platforms reshape how citizens consume and share information.
Ogra emphasised that the rapid expansion of digital media requires proactive policy responses, particularly as misinformation and harmful narratives can affect both present and future generations.
He said the government must take responsibility for creating appropriate legal frameworks to manage emerging digital platforms, stressing that delaying action could worsen existing communication challenges.
The presidential aide’s comments come amid broader conversations about the role of digital media in governance, public communication, and national development.
Discover more from The Industry
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
