Facebook to stop fake news on Coronavirus outbreak in Nigeria

The social media networking site, Facebook, has pledged to partner with the Nigerian Government to check the spread of fake news and disinformation in the wake of the outbreak of Coronavirus in the country.

Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, who announced this at a news conference in Abuja on Friday, called on Nigerians not to fall for the antics of purveyors of fake news and disinformation who will scale up their act to create panic following the confirmation of the disease in Nigeria.

“He announced that Facebook is working with Nigeria in this regard and have asked Nigerians to report any false or misleading report on Facebook and Instagram pages so they can immediately bring them down.

Lai Mohammed also assured that the social media platform is taking preemptive action to remove any false or harmful messages about Coronavirus epidemic and public health at any time of the day.

The Minister said media agencies of the Federal Ministry of

Information and Culture, have also been directed to intensify their ongoing sensitisation and enlightenment campaigns to arm Nigerians with the necessary information to stay well.

He said measures being taken by the agencies include enlightenment jingles on radio and television, up-to-date reports on the efforts being made by Nigerian health authorities to ensure proper screening at the country’s gateways and also handle possible cases.

The Minister therefore appealed to Nigerians not to panic, as the government is well-equipped to detect and handle any possible case or cases.

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