Fagbemi stated this on Wednesday while speaking at the Abuja Social Media Summit organized by Red Carpet.
Speaking on the theme, “Harnessing the Power of Social Media for National Development,” the AGF noted that social media is a powerful tool that can make or mar a country, being a universal space whose reach is immeasurable.
He advised citizens not to abuse the freedom of speech bestowed on them by the constitution, urging them to use it always promote unity and economic growth.
He warned against de-marketing the country online and urged all Nigerians to show responsible citizenship, regardless of ideologies and party affiliations.
“Just as they say that social media neither sleeps nor slumbers, we must watch our word! Weigh it before you utter it. For, once uttered, it cannot be retrieved.
“No individual should use his freedom of speech on social media to infringe upon the rights of another as it is fast becoming the order of the day.
“We must also be careful of what we say about our country. Political differences should not make us de-market our country on the international stage. Only unpatriotic citizens or leaders will choose to do so.
“Those who speak ill of their country to settle political differences should never have the opportunity to lead the same country at any stage.
“This government has demonstrated responsible leadership by allowing freedom of expression and will continue to do so.
“With all the advantages of social media are the attendant challenges and limitations which include digital divide and inequality, misinformation and disinformation, cybersecurity threats, and privacy concerns.
“To overcome these challenges, governments, civil society, and private sector stakeholders must work together to create an enabling environment for social media-driven national development, all hands must be on deck in efforts to transform Nigeria into a greater nation devoid of bickering,” Fagbemi said.
The Nigerian Government has previously made attempts to regulate the social media space. On February 8, 2024, the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, called for the regulation of Social media.
Gbajabiamila’s quest for social media regulation is not the first. The National Assembly in October 2023 received the National Broadcasting Commission (Repeal and Enactment) Bill 2023 from the National Broadcasting Commission, which includes provisions to regulate social media in Nigeria.
Also, the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari banned the X platform, formerly known as Twitter, for seven months, between June 2021 and January 2022, after the #Endsars protest, leading to a backlash by Nigerians who saw it as suppression of their freedom of speech.
In 2019, a similar attempt was made by the Buhari administration to introduce the Protection from Internet Falsehood and Manipulation and other related matters Bill, 2019, but was met with resistance from Nigerians.