By Milcah Tanimu
As part of the 2024 Appropriation Bill, the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, has earmarked N138,066,187 to tackle fake news and print calendars. The initiative, originally introduced by former Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, aims to address the challenge of “deep” fake news used to undermine the government. The budget details indicate that funds will be utilized for media appearances by ministers, engagement with social media influencers, external publicity, and media interactions. A sum of N40 million is allocated for calendar production, N30 million for external publicity, N20.7 million for media interactions by ministers and influencers, and N21.7 million for the development of social media platforms and networking. The advocacy against fake news includes addressing issues such as hate speech, farmers-herders clashes, banditry, and rape.
