ABUJA –
As countries confront the disruptive impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on journalism, Nigeria has taken a leading role globally through the creation of a UNESCO-supported Media and Information Literacy Institute. This initiative marks a significant move towards tackling the issues of misinformation and press freedom in the digital era.
At the World Press Freedom Day event hosted at the Abuja Continental Hotel, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, was represented by Dr. Sulaiman Dauda, the Director of Press from the same ministry. During his speech, he described AI as a “double-edged sword” for journalists, highlighting its potential to enhance efficiency but also noting its substantial risks to press freedom and data accuracy.
Artificial intelligence is transforming newsrooms, allowing quicker production cycles and enhancing investigative capabilities,” he stated during an event co-organized by the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) and the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID). “Nonetheless, this progress brings up significant ethical issues related to prejudice, false information, and responsibility.
In a groundbreaking declaration, the Minister disclosed that Nigeria has received approval from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu along with support from seven nations. Additionally, 20 more countries have pledged their commitment to establishing a UNESCO Category 2 International Media and Information Literacy Institute at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).
This institution will cater not only to Nigeria but also to the international community, equipping individuals with the skills needed to effectively interact with media in an era characterized by digital upheaval,” remarked Idris. He stressed that media literacy has become essential for combating the proliferation of false information, deepfakes, and politically driven misinformation.
Mr. Akintunde Babatunde, Executive Director of the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), echoed the urgency of rethinking journalism in the era of AI.
“Artificial intelligence is no longer theoretical; it is embedded in every stage of the news process,” he said. “From generative AI tools that assist journalists or impersonate them, to algorithms that decide what information audiences see, AI is reshaping the very foundation of journalism.”
Babatunde highlighted that although AI offers possibilities for improved storytelling and data analysis, it simultaneously poses significant dangers.
“At CJID, we embrace this bold new era. However, we are also aware of the risks involved: biased algorithms, loss of jobs, decline in editorial autonomy, and even the potential misuse of AI for monitoring and harassing journalists,” he cautioned.
These challenges are not theoretical; they are occurring right now. They affect actual newsrooms, genuine journalists, and ultimately, the well-being of our democratic systems.
He praised Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) for their assistance, stating: “This gathering focuses on finding solutions. It’s about how technologists, journalists, policymakers, and civil society can cooperate effectively to make sure AI enhances, instead of undermines, press freedom.”
In his goodwill statement, Hon. Akintunde Rotimi, the spokesman for the House of Representatives, characterized AI as a potent yet unmoral instrument, cautioning that it has the potential to “create entirely coherent falsehoods” which could threaten democratic processes if not properly regulated.
Technology is merely a tool, not our moral compass,” Rotimi stated. “We are witnessing deepfake videos and fake news shaping public opinions, sometimes sparking turmoil during elections throughout Africa.
Rotimi, who also mentioned that the House has approved the second reading of a comprehensive bill aimed at regulating artificial intelligence, emphasized the importance of establishing a national legal framework to promote responsible use of AI. “This legislation, which was jointly proposed by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen and several others, seeks to protect human rights and press freedoms while fostering technological advancement,” he stated.
He urged the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and various media organizations to swiftly enhance their self-governance practices; otherwise, they might face government intervention which could undermine journalistic independence.
Rotimi additionally pointed out alarming worldwide patterns, such as a Pew Research Center study indicating that 41% of American adults have significant worries regarding press freedom. He highlighted comparable suppression in Hungary, where more than €1 billion in government advertisements were directed towards supportive channels, thereby stifling independent journalism.
He mentioned that in Nigeria, the press still operates under pressure from government officials as well as the uncontrolled spread of false information. “There is a concerning trend where some journalists focus more on gaining attention rather than ensuring accuracy, which damages the credibility of the media,” he cautioned.
The forum ended with a collective demand for establishing ethical guidelines for artificial intelligence, enhancing journalists’ capabilities, ensuring clarity inAI-produced material, and educating the public about media literacy.
As Nigeria aims to become a leading center for media innovation and ethical information practices, attendees at the conference emphasized that the future of journalism should strike a balance between embracing technological progress and maintaining human discernment, openness, and responsibility to democracy.
Initially, during her welcoming address, Marija Peran, who serves as the Resident Representative for the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS), highlighted the importance of assessing the impact of AI on global press freedom.
She pointed out, “AI is essentially transforming how information is collected, analyzed, and shared.” She added, “This offers significant opportunities for advancing journalism, yet it also poses substantial threats, notably to press freedom, reporter security, and the autonomy of news organizations.”
Peran emphasized the need for ongoing initiatives to protect media autonomy and guarantee that reporters work free from intimidation or coercion. “The decline in press freedom isn’t confined to just one nation; it’s an international phenomenon. Addressing this issue demands collaborative actions from authorities, community groups, and the journalistic industry.”
She restated KAS’s dedication to backing democratic institutions, independent media outlets, and enhancing journalistic capabilities in Nigeria as well as throughout Africa.
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