By Adefolarin A. Olamilekan
Economic development is inseparable from social sustainability. In an increasingly digital world, information has become a critical resource, and its relevance in economic policy formulation and implementation cannot be overstated. As nations work to harness the potential of the information society, the importance of information literacy is emerging as a cornerstone of sustainable development.
Information literacy enables citizens to understand, evaluate, and respond appropriately to government policies. It fosters informed public discourse, enhances accountability, and supports constructive engagement between governments and their people. In contrast, a lack of information literacy—combined with the rise of information disorder—can distort public understanding and negatively influence political and economic spaces.
This concern is particularly pressing for Nigeria, where gaps in information literacy are increasingly affecting perceptions of economic policies. Nigeria’s economy, one of the largest on the continent, is often the subject of harsh public criticism. However, much of this criticism stems not solely from the content of the policies themselves, but from the limited public understanding of them, compounded by misinformation and disinformation.
The celebration of World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) is a timely reminder of the power of information and communication technologies (ICTs). The day, marked globally, seeks to raise awareness of how ICTs can bridge digital divides and unlock socio-economic potential. The 2025 WTISD theme emphasizes the urgent need to promote digital gender equality, ensuring that women and girls can actively participate in and benefit from the digital transformation.
Beyond gender parity, WTISD also underscores the need for broader digital inclusion—an objective that aligns closely with improving information literacy. For Nigerian citizens to comprehend and critically engage with government economic policies, access to reliable information and the skills to interpret it are essential.
Nigeria’s Unique Challenges
Despite being Africa’s largest economy, Nigeria faces:
- Policy Distrust: Widespread criticism of economic measures often stems from misinformation, not flawed design.
- Disorder Cycle: Poor information literacy → Public protests → Policy instability → Economic stagnation.
- Digital Divide: Limited access to credible information exacerbates disparities.
To move forward, Nigeria must prioritize the integration of information literacy into its economic framework. Information should not only support policy formulation but also guide implementation and public communication. Citizens equipped with the ability to access, understand, and analyze economic information are more likely to support reform efforts, participate in development initiatives, and hold leaders accountable in constructive ways.
Ultimately, information is not merely a tool; it is a vital input in Nigeria’s pursuit of economic resilience and inclusive growth. Strengthening information literacy across all levels of society will be key to ensuring that economic policy choices are not only effective but also widely understood and supported.
