Security, media, and technology experts have endorsed the establishment of an independent Crisis Communication Hub (CCHub) to strengthen Nigeria’s ability to detect and respond to misinformation, disinformation, and other digital threats capable of destabilising the country.

The resolution was reached during a maiden stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC) in Abuja. The assembly deliberated on the operational framework and long-term sustainability of the proposed digital infrastructure.

The gathering brought together representatives of security agencies, information management institutions, media organisations, civil society groups, and technology experts from both the public and private sectors.

CCC Chairman, Major General Chris Olukolade (Rtd), said the hub would serve as a platform for real‑time monitoring, analysis, and early detection of harmful narratives online. He hailed the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) for supporting the project.

The initiative aims to prevent the spread of content capable of undermining national unity, security, and social cohesion. CCHub emerged as a key policy recommendation from the National Symposium on Digital Innovation in Crisis Communication, hosted by the Centre in November 2025.

The symposium was based on a research study conducted for the CCC by Yushau A. Shuaib, titled “Artificial Intelligence in Crisis Communication in Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects.” It underscored the urgent need to modernise Nigeria’s crisis communication architecture in line with global best practices.

At the Abuja summit, stakeholders underscored the growing influence of social media platforms, AI tools, deepfakes, and disinformation campaigns, warning that digital spaces have increasingly become channels for the rapid spread of content capable of inflaming public sentiment and escalating political or communal tensions.

They stressed the need for a modern crisis communication system supported by 24‑hour monitoring, artificial intelligence, open‑source intelligence tools, and sentiment analysis to track emerging threats and issue early‑warning alerts to relevant authorities.

Participants highlighted uncoordinated messaging during crises as delayed or conflicting statements from government agencies often worsen panic and confusion. They also cited capacity gaps among journalists, public relations officers, and government spokespersons in digital verification, fact‑checking, and detecting AI‑generated misinformation.

Stakeholders recommended a multi‑stakeholder governance structure involving government institutions, civil society, academia, tech companies, and media organisations, and advocated strong technological infrastructure, including secure servers, AI‑powered monitoring systems, advanced data analytics, and robust cybersecurity safeguards.

Another key proposal was the creation of a National Digital Risk Index to track misinformation trends, public sentiment, and emerging digital threats—providing policymakers with data‑driven insights to anticipate crises before they escalate.

Participants acknowledged that sustainable funding would be essential and recommended a diversified financing model combining government support, donor grants, corporate partnerships, research collaborations, and revenue from specialised training programmes.

They urged stronger cooperation with global technology platforms—through agencies such as NITDA—to enhance early detection, mitigate harmful digital content, and resolved to continue consultations and develop a roadmap for the successful launch and long‑term sustainability of CCHub.

Stakeholders agreed that a national community of crisis communication practitioners—linking government and security agencies, the media, civil society groups, and academic institutions—would improve unified communication during emergencies, deepen collaboration, and enhance public trust.