A newly formed civic group, Coalition for Truth and National Stability (CTNS), has raised alarm over what it describes as a “deliberate and well-funded disinformation campaign” targeting Nigeria’s public institutions like the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
The group’s warning follows a recent report published by ann online medium alleging that certain boards and management teams chartered private jets to Brazil, after what it termed a “lavish retreat” in Kigali, Rwanda. CTNS, in a strongly worded statement issued in Abuja, dismissed the publication as “false, malicious, and carefully designed to erode public trust.”
“At no point were private jets chartered for such trips, nor were any hotels in Kigali booked or monopolized as alleged. These are fabrications meant to mislead Nigerians and paint our national institutions in bad light,” said Dr. Ibrahim Salihu, Convener of CTNS.
According to the coalition, such reports represent more than mere sensationalism. They warned that fake news is increasingly being weaponized to discredit leadership and sabotage the nation’s fragile economic recovery.
“The real danger is not the lies themselves, but the ripple effects they create. These stories discourage foreign investment, damage institutional credibility, and deepen public cynicism at a time when unity and stability are urgently needed,” Dr. Salihu added.
CTNS argued that the SaharaReporters piece was only the latest in a string of misleading publications, many of which they claim are “sponsored by enemies within” to weaken national resolve.
“We must understand that this is no longer innocent rumor-mongering. It is a coordinated attack on our democracy and institutions. When investors and international partners read such falsehoods, they hesitate. That hesitation costs jobs, opportunities, and progress,” said Mrs. Grace Okon, the group’s Media Director.
The coalition further criticized online platforms for what it described as a lack of editorial accountability. “The obsession with traffic and political gains has overtaken journalism’s duty to inform responsibly,” Okon said.
CTNS called on both technology giants and local regulators to step up efforts to curb harmful misinformation.
“Tech platforms like Google and Meta have the resources to curb the spread of toxic content but often turn a blind eye until the damage is done. Locally, our regulators must begin to enforce consequences for deliberate peddlers of fake news. Until there are real costs, those who sponsor these campaigns will continue unchecked,” Dr. Salihu noted.
The group urged Nigerians to be discerning in their media consumption, warning against amplifying stories without verification.
In closing, CTNS stressed that defending the truth is not only the responsibility of government institutions but also of citizens themselves.
“We must reject fake news collectively. This is about safeguarding our democracy, our economy, and our future. The enemies within will not win if Nigerians stand together for truth,” the coalition declared.
The group promised to continue monitoring and countering what it described as “sponsored propaganda” aimed at undermining national stability.
