by Ajibola Adedoye
A diverse alliance of climate specialists, media researchers, development partners, and environmental advocates converged in Lagos this week with a shared mission: to reclaim Nigeria’s climate narrative from the grip of digital falsehoods.
In an era where misleading climate content travels farther — and faster — than verified science, the Media Awareness and Information for All Network (MAIN), in partnership with UNESCO Abuja, launched a transformative training workshop aimed at empowering Nigerians to recognize, resist, and rectify climate misinformation.
Professor Jide Jimoh, Chairman of MAIN and Dean of Communication and Media Studies at Lagos State University (LASU), issued a stark warning. The most formidable obstacle to effective climate action, he said, is no longer just environmental disruption — it is the rising tide of information disorder.
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“Climate change is dangerous, but what is even more dangerous is the misinformation surrounding it,” he stressed.
Jimoh highlighted how digital platforms have amplified distortions that Mislead the public, Stall meaningful climate policies, Threaten lives and Undermine scientific trust.
The goal of the workshop, he noted, is to nurture a new corps of climate communicators, journalists, NGOs, researchers, and fact-checkers equipped to restore integrity to Nigeria’s climate discourse.
Representing the UNESCO Abuja Office, Yachat Nuhu delivered remarks on behalf of Dr. Jean-Paul Ngome Abiaga, emphasizing that Africa sits at a critical juncture. While technology connects millions, it also accelerates the spread of manipulated narratives and conspiracy theories that weaken climate response efforts.
“Harmful narratives weaken our ability to respond to climate change,” she cautioned.
“Without strong media and information literacy skills, communities remain vulnerable.”
UNESCO pledged continued support in helping journalists and communities develop the skills to:
- Verify and contextualize climate information
- Counter destructive narratives
- Apply digital tools responsibly
- Build resilience at the community level
Dr. Goke Rauf, Rector of DS Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic, offered a compelling reminder of Nigeria’s recent heatwave — a harsh preview of what lies ahead.
“That heat was a rude awakening. But it may not be the last. Nigeria must prepare,” he warned.
He emphasized the vital role of emerging technologies — from AI to IoT and big data — in monitoring emissions, enhancing early warning systems, and combating climate misinformation. His remarks underscored the urgency of accurate information in a climate-stressed nation.
From the Nigeria Environmental Society (NES), Mr. Emmanuel Chidiebere reiterated that climate literacy is now a survival skill, not a luxury. NES Chairman Taofeeq Adeosun added that merging scientific knowledge with community-level understanding is essential if Nigeria is to strengthen its climate resilience.
“Accurate climate information has become a public good. This workshop strengthens Nigeria’s capacity to respond intelligently and proactively,” he said.
Over two intensive days, participants collaborated on:
- Digital techniques for detecting misinformation
- Climate-specific fact-checking methods
- Community-centered education strategies
- Media and Information Literacy (MIL) frameworks
- Using AI and emerging technologies to enhance national climate readiness
The workshop stands as a major step toward a future where Nigeria’s digital landscape supports — rather than subverts — public awareness and climate action.
As the Lagos gathering drew to a close, one message resonated clearly: climate misinformation is not just incorrect; it is dangerous. And defending the truth is now a shared national duty.
MAIN and UNESCO hope the momentum generated this week will spark sustained collaborations and inspire more Nigerians to become vigilant defenders of truthful climate communication in an age of digital distortion.
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