Thelma Osatohanmwen
In the latest budget proposal, the Federal Government has earmarked a substantial N138,066,187 to combat fake news, print calendars, and enhance its media presence.
The allocation falls under the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation as part of the 2024 Appropriation Bill currently under consideration by the National Assembly.
A significant portion of the allocated funds will be directed towards fighting the spread of fake news, which has been a longstanding concern for the government. Former Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, had previously raised awareness about the dangers of “deep” fake news, stating that it was being used to undermine the government and its officials.
As part of the planned initiatives, N24.5 million has been set aside for a special enlightenment campaign focusing on government programs and policies. This campaign includes testimonial series to assess the impact of government policies on the citizenry.
Additionally, N40 million will be dedicated to producing calendars, N30 million for external publicity and engagement with foreign media, and N20.7 million for media interactions by ministers, influencers, and analysts on both print and social media platforms.
The budget details also reveal a commitment of N21.7 million for the development of social media platforms and networking with other digital platforms. The move emphasizes the government’s recognition of the role social media plays in shaping public opinion and disseminating information.
