Federal Government Urged to Harness WhatsApp, Facebook for National Development — GOMEP-NG

As millions of Nigerians increasingly rely on WhatsApp and Facebook for news, education, business and public information, the Guild of Online Media Editors and Publishers of Nigeria (GOMEP-NG) has urged the Federal Government to fully embrace digital communication platforms as strategic tools for governance, transparency and national development. The Guild says the future of effective public engagement lies in responsible digital communication—not restrictions.

Could WhatsApp and Facebook become the Federal Government’s most powerful communication tools? GOMEP-NG believes the answer is yes, urging authorities to embrace digital platforms to strengthen governance, transparency and national development while tackling misinformation through education instead of restrictions.

Why is GOMEP-NG asking the Federal Government to adopt WhatsApp and Faceboo as?
The Guild of Online Media Editors and Publishers of Nigeria (GOMEP-NG) says WhatsApp and Facebook have become essential communication platforms for millions of Nigerians. The Guild urges the Federal Government to adopt policies that promote their responsible use for public enlightenment, emergency communication, civic education, healthcare awareness, security updates and transparent governance while combating misinformation through digital literacy instead of restrictions.

The Guild of Online Media Editors and Publishers of Nigeria (GOMEP-NG) has called on the Federal Government to develop proactive policies that will maximise the enormous potential of digital communication platforms, particularly WhatsApp and Facebook, as powerful tools for national development, public engagement and information dissemination.

President of the Guild, Comrade Akpovoke Otiti, made the call in a statement made available to journalists. He said the rapid growth of social media has fundamentally transformed global communication, making WhatsApp and Facebook among the fastest, most accessible and effective channels for sharing information.

According to him, “WhatsApp and Facebook have become indispensable communication tools for governments, institutions, businesses and millions of Nigerians who depend on them daily for timely information, education, commerce and public interaction.”

Otiti noted that several ministers of the Federal Republic regularly operate official WhatsApp platforms to coordinate emergency responses, discuss government policies and provide important updates. Likewise, many state governors, commissioners and other public office holders have adopted WhatsApp groups to engage stakeholders, disseminate official information and maintain closer communication with citizens.

He stressed that the increasing participation of Nigerians across thousands of WhatsApp communities highlights the strategic importance of digital communication in today’s information-driven society.

The GOMEP-NG President explained that properly managed WhatsApp groups and other online platforms can significantly strengthen government communication by serving as effective channels for public enlightenment campaigns, emergency alerts, healthcare awareness, civic education, security advisories and policy advocacy.

He further urged the Federal Government to introduce policies that encourage the responsible use of digital communication platforms while intensifying efforts to combat misinformation and fake news through public education, media literacy and fact-based communication rather than restrictive measures.

“The solution is not to limit access to digital communication platforms but to promote responsible usage through digital literacy, ethical journalism and public awareness,” Otiti said.

He added that embracing digital communication as a strategic governance tool would improve transparency, strengthen public trust, encourage citizens’ participation in governance and accelerate socio-economic development across Nigeria.

The Guild reaffirmed its commitment to promoting ethical online journalism, responsible digital publishing and professional media standards. It also pledged to collaborate with government agencies, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to advance digital literacy, media responsibility and the dissemination of credible information nationwide.