NDLEA Urges Government to Tackle Drug-Related Online Misinformation

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) urged the Nigerian Government to enact and enforce laws to curb drug-related online misinformation.

Oyutu Obiageli, an assistant commander in the NDLEA, made this call on Tuesday in Abuja at a workshop on ‘Safer Internet Day’, organised by the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) Abuja Chapter and Young Innovators Nigeria (YIN).

The theme of the event was: ‘‘Creating a Safer Digital World: Empowering Youths Against Cybercrime’’.

Obiageli stressed the need for tech companies to strengthen their commitment to content regulation and misinformation detection.

‘‘Educational institutions and parents must equip young people with digital literacy skills to differentiate facts from falsehoods.

‘‘The public must take responsibility by verifying information before sharing and reporting harmful content,’’ she said.

She also emphasised the importance of equipping young people with digital literacy skills to critically analyse drug-related content online.

‘‘We must establish fact-checking initiatives and collaborate with influencers who promote factual drug education.

‘‘Strengthening legislation to regulate online drug-related content is important. Technology alone is not enough. Strong legislation and enforcement mechanisms are crucial in holding digital platforms accountable for the content they host,’’ she said.

The Chairman of the Abuja Chapter of NCS, Mr John Odumesi, noted that the digital space had become an indispensable part of the learning process, communication, and innovation.

He pointed out that the interconnected world also presents significant risks, particularly for young people, who are often susceptible to online predators, cyberbullying, misinformation, and other forms of cybercrime.

‘‘The workshop is timely and relevant; it highlights the urgent need to equip our youth with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to navigate the digital landscape safely and responsibly.

‘‘We must empower them to become responsible digital citizens,’’ Odumesi said.

The Founder of YIN, Mr Andrew Agbo, stressed the need to educate youths on both the dangers and opportunities associated with the internet.

He noted that the internet has made it possible for people to access vast amounts of digitised information conveniently.

Agbo highlighted its role in enhancing communication, improving business transactions, and expanding access to information. He added that in the education sector, students can work interactively and without restrictions related to time and physical constraints.

He stated that the programme would enhance the knowledge of young innovators, enabling them to use the internet to generate new ideas, develop technologies, and address local challenges.

The Zonal Coordinator for the North Central Zone of NCS, Mr Bayo Onimode, described the Day as an important initiative that informs the public on how to use online resources safely and responsibly.

He advised Nigerians to be cautious about the online platforms they engage with, warning that some could serve as avenues for cybercrime.