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The Kaduna State Administration supports stricter oversight of online networks to combat false information and prevent tensions from intensifying, according to an updated peace-building study highlighting young people, virtual spaces, and conflicting stories as key factors contributing to instability in the Northern region.
The state commissioner responsible for information and culture, Malam Ahmed Maiyaki, made these remarks while presenting the outcomes of the Delimi Prosper Project at the Gusau Institute in Kaduna, as reported by Arewa PUNCH.
The initiative known as Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (SPRING) carried out the project, with backing from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
A single-day gathering convened government representatives, members of civil society, and development stakeholders to examine outcomes from an eight-month initiative.
Maiyaki stated that the report highlighted the significance of evidence-driven approaches to peacebuilding and cautioned that online platforms were growing more influential in spreading false information and intensifying conflicts.
He stated, 'We are very pleased with the report we have reviewed, as it is grounded in data, since dealing with conflicts and fostering peace necessitates evidence rather than guesses.'
Peace cannot be entrenched, institutionalized, or built without proof of past actions.
He voiced worry about what he called the increasing abuse of social media in escalating conflicts, stating that the government will step up actions to tackle false information and misleading content.
The official emphasized that although social media continues to serve as a key means of sharing information, it should not be permitted to turn into a space for promoting hatred or spreading false claims.
Maiyaki once again expressed the state government's stance advocating for stricter oversight of online platforms, contending that free speech should be tempered with accountability.
Hey stated, 'Our main worry still centers around the findings of the report, which indicate that digital media serves as a key factor in intensifying conflicts. Our department is deeply concerned about this issue.'
Social media plays a crucial role in sharing information and engaging with the public, yet it must not be misused to promote lies or provoke conflicts.
Even in developed democracies like the United States, social media sites face regulation. We must not, under the guise of liberty, let individuals exploit these platforms to provoke disputes or spread false information.
He mentioned that the administration would keep offering prompt and reliable information while striving to combat false reports that might lead to disturbances.
"There are regulations within the nation that forbid the spread of false information. The government will not remain passive as those who profit from discord utilize these platforms to deceive the public or incite hostility among citizens," he stated.
Additionally, Richard Ali, a development professional and Executive Director at Engaging Borders Strategy, Research and Development, stated that the Delimi Prosper Project revealed that youth continue to play a key role in the conflicts occurring in northern Nigeria and should be given priority in efforts aimed at building peace.
He mentioned that an eight-month initiative, spanning from August 2025 to March 2026, looked into factors contributing to instability and routes toward lasting peace in certain areas of the North-West and North-Central regions.
"The main discovery is that youth play a central role in the conflicts occurring in northern Nigeria. To tackle these issues properly, we need to involve young people as the core," Ali stated.
He cautioned that the online world has emerged as a key stage for conflict stories, rendering it difficult to overlook its impact on security results.
"The online world is no longer merely an option to think about. It has become the real battlefield, and it needs to be addressed accordingly," he stated.
He mentioned that the initiative generated nine suggestions, the key one being enhanced cooperation between governments, development allies, non-governmental organizations, and additional interested parties.
"if everyone collaborates, we can tackle these problems at the same time instead of handling them one by one, which continues cycles of conflict and violence," he stated
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