Nigeria Champions Ethical Use Of AI In Journalism
Princess-Ekwi Ajide (ABS Abuja Bureau Chief)
As the world embraces artificial intelligence in the newsroom, Nigeria is taking a bold stand to ensure press freedom and that ethical journalism remain at the forefront of the digital age.
At the 2025 World Press Freedom Day celebration in Abuja, stakeholders gathered to explore the theme: “Reporting in the Brave New World – The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media.”
In a keynote address, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, highlighted both the promise and peril of AI in journalism.
The Minister represented by the Director Public Relations and Protocols, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Dr. Suileiman Haruna, acknowledged that while AI can boost newsroom efficiency and investigative depth, it also raises serious concerns about misinformation, bias, and the erosion of democratic accountability.
To tackle these issues, the Minister announced Nigeria’s plan to host a UNESCO-backed International Media and Information Literacy Institute at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), a move backed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and supported by global partners.
He also revealed that a national policy framework on AI in media is in the offing, aimed at promoting innovation without compromising press freedom or journalistic ethics.
Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, KAS Resident Representative, Marija Peran, echoed the call for balance, noting that while AI drives media innovation, it also demands vigilance to protect public trust and editorial independence.