The Kano State Government has inaugurated an 18-member Media and Information Policy Drafting Committee aimed at promoting accurate and responsible dissemination of information across the state.
The committee was inaugurated on Thursday by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Farouk Ibrahim, following growing concerns from the public over the spread of unregulated information.
Speaking at the event, Ibrahim said the decision to establish the committee dates back to 2023 during the transition period, when recommendations were made to develop policies for key sectors lacking proper regulatory frameworks.
He noted that similar policies have already been introduced in areas such as electricity, solid minerals, women empowerment, and climate change.
He explained that the new media policy is necessary in an era where information is widely shared through digital platforms, often without verification.
According to him, the absence of proper guidelines has raised concerns among residents and security agencies about the potential risks associated with misinformation.
Ibrahim added that the policy, when completed, would provide a legal and ethical framework to guide information dissemination, ensuring that the public receives credible and accurate updates.
He also expressed confidence that the committee members would leverage their experience to deliver on their mandate.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, clarified Ibrahim Waiya, clarified that the initiative is not intended to suppress press freedom but to promote professionalism and accountability within the media space.
He said the policy would strengthen collaboration between the government and media practitioners in the state.
Co-chairman of the committee, Mohammed Danyato “assured that members would work diligently to justify the confidence placed in them”.
The committee includes representatives from government and media-related sectors, with Waiya serving as chairman and Danyaro as co-chairman.
Other members were drawn from diverse professional backgrounds to contribute to the development of a comprehensive and effective policy.
The move is part of the state government’s broader effort to enhance information management and promote ethical communication practices in Kano.
