Collaboration between fact-checking organisations and social media platforms to combat misinformation in Nigeria

Abstract This study examines the collaboration between fact-checking organisations and social media platforms in Nigeria, focusing on Africa Check and Dubawa. The rapid proliferation of misinformation on social media has posed serious threats to democratic processes, public health, and social cohesion, particularly in developing democracies such as Nigeria. Anchored in Social Responsibility Theory and Network Theory, the study investigates the platforms involved in these collaborations, the nature of the partnerships, stakeholders’ perceptions of their effectiveness, and the prospects and challenges associated with such collaborations. Using a qualitative research design, data were generated through in-depth interviews with ten purposively selected participants—five each from Africa Check and Dubawa. Interviews were conducted via Zoom and Microsoft Teams using a semi-structured guide and analysed thematically. Findings reveal that collaborations are largely centred on Meta-owned platforms—Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Threads—with emerging engagement with TikTok, while formal collaboration with X (formerly Twitter) remains limited. The partnerships involve content moderation support, development of fact-checking tools, educational campaigns, and real-time monitoring of misinformation trends. Based on investigation, stakeholders perceive these collaborations as largely effective, challenges such as rapid misinformation spread, limited platform access, user resistance, and accusations of censorship persist. The study concludes that while existing collaborations are significant in safeguarding public discourse, expanding partnerships, investing in real time AI-driven verification tools, and strengthening media literacy initiatives are crucial for improved outcomes. Key Words: Misinformation, Fact-checking, Social media platforms, Collaboration, Nigeria About the Author * Matthew Olatunji Ogunsuada is a broadcast journalist with Voice of the People TV and an adjunct lecturer at Wesley University, Ondo and Universal School of Aviation DLI Centre, Lagos both in Nigeria. His research interests span multimedia and online journalism, broadcasting and film, media sociology, and the dynamics of misinformation and disinformation ecosystems. JCMR Journal of Communication and Media Research, Vol. 18, No. 2, October 2026, pp. 82-91. © Association of Media and Communication Researchers of Nigeria (AMCRON). Article Citation Ogunsuada, M. O. (2026). Collaboration between fact-checking organisations and social media platforms to combat misinformation in Nigeria. Journal of Communication and Media Research, 18 (2): 82-91. Full Article Words: 5,396 Pages: 10 To access full article, click on download.