The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has stated the importance of social media as a top priority for national security.
Ribadu made this statement during a meeting with spokespersons of various organizations under the Strategic Communication Interagency Policy Committee umbrella in Abuja.
Ribadu said that the negative use of social media poses both local and global threats, requiring proactive measures to counter disinformation and misinformation. He highlighted the urgent need to update the National Security Strategy (NSS), last reviewed in 2015, with the 2019 version currently under review to address evolving security dynamics.
The NSA directed media managers in defense, security, and response agencies to adapt their engagement approaches with the public, focusing on countering disinformation from adversaries. He stressed the importance of strategic communication management in national security, particularly in addressing divisive narratives perpetuated through social media platforms.
“Across the world, we have also assessed the adept use of social media platforms by those who seek power to shape public opinion against citizens. This threat is both global and local and presents an immediate national security priority,” Ribadu stated.
Ribadu outlined the integration of strategic communication into various operational aspects, including information operations and public diplomacy, to project the country’s national power and values effectively. He called for coordinated efforts to engage Nigerians, build trust, and counter violent extremism.
“In engaging with the public, communicators in the security sector should adopt strategies that take into account the personal sacrifices of service personnel,” Ribadu emphasized.
Ribadu pledged to ensure that government communication aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision and directives, emphasizing coordination with national security objectives and values.
