Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has issued a powerful call to independent broadcasters across the nation, urging them to become stronger guardians of the country's information space. The minister emphasized that this role is crucial for strengthening national unity and fortifying digital security against emerging threats.
Broadcasters as Frontline Defenders
Speaking at the 2025 Annual General Meeting and Conference of the Independent Broadcasters Association of Nigeria (IBAN), Tuggar described broadcasters as 'frontline defenders' of Nigeria's narrative. The minister, represented by Ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa, addressed participants about the growing challenges in today's complex global media environment.
'In an increasingly interconnected and complex global information space, the ability of a nation to control its narrative, protect its digital integrity, and unite its citizens is no longer a soft power preference—it is a strategic imperative,' Tuggar stated during his address to industry professionals.
Information Sovereignty as National Priority
The Foreign Minister presented a compelling argument about the importance of information sovereignty, describing it as the digital-era equivalent of territorial integrity. He stressed that Nigeria must retain the capacity to tell its own stories and effectively counter the damaging effects of foreign-sponsored disinformation campaigns.
Tuggar specifically praised broadcasters for their ongoing investments in high-quality local content, noting that such efforts serve dual purposes: they reaffirm the country's cultural identity while simultaneously asserting Nigeria's growing influence on the global stage.
Promoting Unity and Securing Platforms
Addressing the critical role of media in national cohesion, the minister described the airwaves as a 'sacred trust' in a diverse nation of over 230 million people. He called on broadcasters to deploy their platforms responsibly by amplifying shared Nigerian values and fostering constructive dialogue that can bridge ethnic and religious divides.
On the pressing issue of digital security, Tuggar issued a stern warning about malicious cyber actors increasingly targeting national discourse. He urged all broadcasting organizations to enhance protection of their digital infrastructure, emphasizing that securing broadcast platforms is both a corporate obligation and a matter of national security.
The minister concluded by highlighting the direct connection between Nigeria's foreign policy strength and the narratives shaped within its borders. 'The narrative you build at home is the narrative we project abroad,' he remarked, calling for deeper collaboration between government and the broadcasting industry to safeguard the country's entire information ecosystem.
