The Kaduna State Government has officially thrown its weight behind calls for intensified oversight of social media platforms, identifying the digital landscape as a primary driver of instability in Northern Nigeria. Speaking at the close-out event of the Delimi PROSPER Project in Kaduna, the State Commissioner for Information and Culture, Ahmed Maiyaki, highlighted the urgent need to address the rampant spread of misinformation and disinformation. According to the Commissioner, while digital platforms have democratized information, they have simultaneously become powerful tools for malicious actors to incite community tensions and undermine fragile peacebuilding efforts.
The advocacy for stricter digital regulation stems from empirical findings presented during the Delimi PROSPER project’s learning session. These findings revealed that online environments are increasingly being leveraged to shape divisive narratives, mobilize hostile groups, and amplify local conflicts. Commissioner Maiyaki noted that the government views the oversight of these platforms not as a tool for suppression, but as a standard democratic practice essential for maintaining national security. He warned that individuals who exploit social media to disseminate inflammatory content pose a direct threat to the safety and social cohesion of the state’s diverse population.
Reflecting on the digital shift in conflict dynamics, Richard Ali, Executive Director of Engaging Borders Strategic Development and Research (SRD), noted that the internet has become a critical theatre for contemporary peace and security challenges. Ali emphasized that the findings from the project underscore that digital spaces now dictate how conflicts emerge and escalate, necessitating a shift in how stakeholders approach reconciliation and community resilience. He argued that ignoring the digital sphere is no longer an option for peacebuilding organizations, as the battle for public opinion is increasingly fought on social networks.
Central to the project’s recommendations is the empowerment and engagement of the youth, whom the report describes as the most influential actors in the digital age. By involving young people in peacebuilding and digital advocacy, organizers believe the state can foster a more responsible online culture. The project results suggest that when youth are equipped with the skills to identify and counter harmful narratives, they become the first line of defense against the digital spread of hatred and sectarian hostility.
The Delimi PROSPER Project, which operated between August 2025 and March 2026 across Kaduna and Plateau states, served as a pilot for integrating climate resilience with digital peace advocacy. Supported by the Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (SPRING) Programme and funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the initiative demonstrated that cross-sector collaboration—involving the government, development partners, and civil society—is vital. The project sought to promote a balanced approach that maximizes the benefits of digital connectivity while building robust guardrails against content that threatens social harmony.
As the project concludes, the consensus among stakeholders remains clear: social media regulation must be prioritized to protect the integrity of information in northern Nigeria. The Kaduna State Government has pledged to continue working closely with media organizations and youth groups to promote a culture of responsible information sharing. By fostering stronger partnerships and implementing evidence-based oversight, officials hope to transform digital platforms from sources of tension into instruments for long-term community development and peaceful coexistence.
