The Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation is set to allocate a budget of N138,066,187 for the year 2024. The details of this allocation are outlined in the 2024 Appropriation Bill currently under consideration by the National Assembly.
A significant portion of the funds, approximately N24.5 million, will be dedicated to a special enlightenment campaign aimed at promoting government policies. This campaign includes testimonial series designed to assess the impact of these policies on the citizenry. Additionally, advocacy efforts against fake news, hate speech, farmers-herders clashes, banditry, and rape will be supported.
Part of the allocated budget, amounting to N40 million, is earmarked for the production of calendars, while N30 million is set aside for media relations and engagement abroad. Furthermore, N20.7 million has been designated for ministers, influencers, and analysts to facilitate communication with the media across both print and social media platforms.
A key focus of the budget is the investment of N21.7 million in the development and networking of social media platforms. This move reflects the government’s recognition of the influential role played by social media in shaping public opinion and disseminating information.
The initiative to combat fake news echoes the efforts initiated during the tenure of former President Muhammadu Buhari, when the then Minister of Culture and Information, Lai Mohammed, launched a campaign against the spread of false information. In a statement to the press in 2021, Mohammed emphasized the evolution of fake news from conventional to more insidious forms, posing a threat to the government and its officials.
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Mohammed expressed concern that mainstream media outlets and reputable publications had become conduits for disseminating deep fake news. He vowed to take decisive action against anyone found guilty of contributing to the proliferation of false information.
As the nation grapples with the challenges posed by misinformation, the proposed budget signals a concerted effort by the government to combat fake news, foster public understanding of government initiatives, and maintain transparency in communication.
