Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Maitama Tuggar, has stressed the significance of Nigeria’s information sovereignty as paramount as it represents digital-age equivalent of territorial integrity and the ability of the country to tell its own stories.
The Minister, in his goodwill message during the Independent Broadcasting Association of Nigeria (IBAN) 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Conference, with the theme: ‘Broadcasting for Information Sovereignty, National Cohesion and Digital Security’, which was held in Abuja, maintained information sovereignty will counter the corrosive effects of foreign-sponsored disinformation and cultural homogenization.
Represented by the ministry’s Spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, and his Special Assistant on Media, Alƙasim AbdulƘadir, the Minister said; “from the perspective of his ministry , a Nigeria that is sovereign in its information, cohesive in its national identity, and secure in its digital space is a Nigeria that commands respect and wields significant influence in international affairs.
“Sovereignty is paramount. It is the digital-age equivalent of territorial integrity. It is about Nigeria’s right and capacity to tell its own stories, and shape its own narratives”.
He acknowledged the critical role IBAN plays as key partner in nation building, describing the theme as apt.
“I commend your leadership for choosing a theme that is not only timely but absolutely critical to our nation’s future. This theme resonates deeply with the core objectives of Nigeria’s foreign policy.
“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.
“Undoubtedly, the independent broadcasters are on the frontlines of this crucial endeavour”.
According to the Minister, “With a population of over 230 million people in a nation of immense diversity like ours, the public airwaves are a sacred trust. The microphone and the camera are powerful tools which can either bridge divides or deepen them.
“Let us forge a stronger partnership between the government and the broadcasting industry to protect our information ecosystem, promote unity, and project a Nigeria that is confident, cohesive, and in control of its own destiny”.
