The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has announced that the world’s first UNESCO Category 2 Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Centre, to be hosted in Abuja, Nigeria, will officially commence operations in February 2026. The announcement was made during a courtesy visit by the Head of Office and UNESCO Representative to Nigeria, Dr. Jean-Paul Ngome Abiaga, highlighting Nigeria’s commitment to leading global efforts in media literacy and combating misinformation, disinformation, and fake news.

The Minister stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed that the Centre’s establishment proceed without delay, with full support from the Federal Government. He described the Centre as not only a national asset but a global institution poised to strengthen national unity, transform how countries tackle fake news, and enhance digital literacy. Plans are underway to appoint a pioneering Director-General and develop international-standard training programmes for media professionals, policymakers, educators, youth leaders, and digital communicators from Nigeria and beyond.

Speaking on behalf of UNESCO, Dr. Abiaga congratulated Nigeria for securing the first Media and Information Literacy Associated Centre globally, calling it a continental victory that sets an example for Africa and the world. The Ministry of Information has also begun finalising legal and operational frameworks and deepening technical collaboration with UNESCO and the Nigerian National Commission for UNESCO to ensure the Institute meets global standards and delivers measurable impact.