Nigeria has called for deeper collaboration among Developing-8 (D-8) countries to strengthen media systems, combat misinformation and enhance regional cohesion.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation Agency, Mohammed Idris, made the called while addressing ministers, media leaders, and senior policymakers at the D-8 Media Forum at Baku, Azerbaijan.

This is contained in a statement by Ministry’s Director of Public Relations and Protocol, Dr

Suleiman Haruna.

The minister, represented by the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Press Council, Dr Nze Ezughah, said the cooperation become essential in a rapidly changing global communication landscape marked by digital disruption and information disorder.

He emphasised that with the D-8’s combined GDP exceeding $8 trillion and intra-group trade accounting for 10 per cent of global trade, media cooperation plays a critical role in shaping public understanding.

The minister highlighted several homegrown innovations and reforms that Nigeria has undertaken in the last year, which he said offered practical lessons for other developing countries.

He said these include the establishment of the UNESCO-backed International Media and Information Literacy Institute (Category 2), the first in Africa, which aims to serve as a global hub for training, research, and digital safety.

Mr Idris stated, “It is aimed at equipping journalists and citizens with tools to combat misinformation. I hereby invite D-8 member states to partner with Nigeria in curriculum development, capacity-building, and joint research. With over 100 million digital identities registered, Nigeria has achieved advances in digital identity and data governance, especially through strengthened trust in digital transactions and improved access to public services. Nigeria’s digital identity infrastructure could support D-8 countries in linking media ecosystems with verified identity systems to curb impersonation and fake news.”

Recognising the rising influence of creative industries on global diplomacy, Idris highlighted the rapid growth of Nigeria’s film, music, and digital storytelling sectors.

He noted that these industries, supported by policy reforms and innovation hubs, had strengthened Nigeria’s image globally while providing jobs for millions of young people.

The minister explained how Nigeria’s economic reforms, such as subsidy rationalisation and foreign-exchange correction improved the communication environment by enabling more accurate reporting and increasing public confidence in government information.

Mr Idris said proposals for strengthening cooperation within the D-8 include, launching joint media literacy programmes for youth, journalists, policymakers, and vulnerable groups.

Others, he said, are collaborative research on artificial intelligence in media, especially verification tools and digital safety protocols, expanding cross-border media exchanges, fellowships, and newsroom partnerships.

Others are deepening cooperation in the creative and digital content industries across member states.

Mr Idris stated, “Nigeria believes that the D-8 is more than an economic bloc, it is a community of nations with shared aspirations and developmental realities. Our cooperation in media and information is vital to building informed citizens, cohesive societies, and resilient economies. Nigeria is ready to work with member states to deepen dialogue, strengthen public trust, and enhance stability.’’

(NAN)