The awesome impact of modern technological devices on the cognition of citizens and overall development of Nigeria, has compelled the federal government to call for a careful regulation of the airwaves to ensure that its potentials are not inimical to national development.

The call, according to the government, was necessitated by the reckless use of the various social media by some dubious individuals whom if not rapidly stopped, could use the tool to cause more harm to the nation.

Giving this information during the 20th anniversary celebration of National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and official unveiling of the National Broadcasting Code in Abuja, the Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, called on media owners and practitioners alike to study the sociology of the new media to ensure that its potentials are rightfully deployed in building the country.

While lamenting the poor use of social media by some individuals recently, Maku said, “We must proceed to the fact that, it is not all that is going on today in the media that is truthful, right and professional.

“Regulation is to ensure that we develop into what we want best of these media, but if we don’t follow the laws that regulate us,  then the industry will be in danger.”

Maku said government believes that regulating social media in the country will offer Nigerians the opportunity to defend Nigeria’s interest before the global community, because of the advances in communication technology.

He cautioned that if this is not done, what it means is that “we open our doors to a number of practices that are inimical to the progress of our nation and indeed the future of citizens.”

Vocally, the minister said the explosion of mobile technology has afforded Nigerians the opportunity for the first time to communicate directly with the rest of the world without any stress.

“It has also brought  some concerning issues that as regulators we must always continue to look at,”     he said.