Social media governance critical to Nigeria’s global image, Says Ogwus

Chinedu Ogwus, UN Ambassador, President Ogwus Youth Empowerment and Community Development Organisation (OYECDO). has called for the establishment of an ethical and strategic governance framework for Nigeria’s social media ecosystem, warning that the absence of responsible oversight is eroding the country’s global reputation and weakening its national development objectives.

Speaking at the 37 Million Digital Literacy Mega Launch Programme organised by Global Clusters in Lagos, Ogwus said social media has become a powerful driver of public discourse, economic participation, and international perception, but cautioned that its misuse now poses reputational and developmental risks.

He argued that ethical social media governance — rather than censorship — is essential to safeguard democratic engagement while addressing growing concerns around hate speech, cyber fraud, misinformation, and the proliferation of obscene content.

According to him, unregulated digital narratives have amplified negative portrayals of Nigeria, often overshadowing the country’s economic potential, cultural heritage, innovation ecosystem, and reform efforts.

“Social media remains a vital instrument for civic participation and economic growth,” he said, “but without ethical guardrails, it can distort national identity and undermine international confidence.”

Ogwus stressed that governance reforms should be transparent, inclusive, and strategically aligned with Nigeria’s broader development agenda. He noted that digital platforms significantly influence investor perception, tourism flows, diaspora engagement, and global partnerships, making reputation management a matter of economic importance.

He further observed that content frequently exported from Nigeria’s online space tends to highlight urban decay, social tensions, and unverified claims, reinforcing stereotypes that do not reflect the country’s progress in innovation, entrepreneurship, and youth-driven enterprise.

Beyond regulatory structures, the professor emphasised the need to deepen digital literacy. He argued that digital inclusion must extend beyond connectivity and technical competence to incorporate ethical responsibility, critical thinking, and accountability in content creation.

“Digital literacy must produce responsible digital citizens,” he said, adding that social media users have a role in projecting narratives that reflect national values, environmental progress, and expanding economic opportunities.

Ogwus maintained that a well-designed governance framework would not stifle freedom of expression but instead protect the digital ecosystem from abuse while preserving creativity and democratic participation.

He concluded that building an ethically driven and inclusive social media environment is critical to restoring Nigeria’s credibility in the international community and strengthening its long-term development prospects.

The Digital Literacy Mega Launch convened policymakers, technology stakeholders, and development actors to deliberate on digital inclusion, responsible online engagement, and the future of Nigeria’s digital economy.