By Fatima Saka
ABUJA — In a bid to reshape the future of journalism, the Federal Government, the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS), and other stakeholders have called on media professionals to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) as a vital tool, while stressing the need for ethical and responsible adoption.
The call was made on Friday in Abuja during the 2025 World Press Freedom Day commemoration, themed “Reporting in the Brave New World: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media,” jointly organized by CJID and KAS.
Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described AI as a transformative force reshaping journalism globally.
He highlighted both the immense potential and significant risks posed by the technology to press freedom, journalistic integrity, and public trust.
“AI is radically altering how journalism functions. In Nigerian newsrooms, AI tools are being used to draft reports, write headlines, and analyze data for investigative stories,” he said. “While these tools can boost productivity, especially in under-resourced newsrooms, they also present new ethical dilemmas.”
The Minister noted that despite the advantages of AI—such as faster content creation and greater audience engagement, there are growing concerns over misinformation, accountability, and the erosion of editorial integrity.
He also announced that Nigeria has secured funding and international support to operationalize the UNESCO Category 2 International Media and Information Literacy Institute at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), with the goal of promoting global media literacy and journalistic standards in the digital age.
“AI innovation should underscore excellence in our newsrooms, not diminish it. Our future is not man versus machine, but man working with machine,” he stated.
CJID Executive Director Akintunde Babatunde echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the urgent need to understand the dual nature of AI in journalism.
“Artificial intelligence is no longer futuristic—it is embedded in every stage of news production,” he said. “From empowering investigative reporting to raising concerns over bias and surveillance, AI presents both unprecedented opportunities and serious risks.”
He called for collaborative, solution-driven dialogue among journalists, tech developers, policymakers, and civil society to create ethical standards for AI use in journalism.
Marija Peran, Resident Representative of KAS Nigeria, underscored the importance of maintaining ethical guardrails as AI technologies reshape media worldwide.
“Navigating AI’s complexities requires constant oversight to prevent manipulation and uphold journalistic credibility,” she said, reaffirming KAS’s global support for press freedom and democratic values.
She also announced that Nigeria would host the first-ever Reporter Slam Africa event on May 22 in Lagos—a live journalism storytelling competition—which made its African debut in South Africa last year, with a Nigerian journalist, Melony Ishola, emerging champion.
House of Representatives Spokesperson, Hon. Akintunde Rotimi Jr., called on journalists to remain the conscience of society amid the rise of algorithmic reporting.
“Technology is a tool—not a conscience. It cannot replicate empathy or moral courage. These remain the core of journalism,” he stated.
He warned against the unchecked spread of AI-generated disinformation, citing instances where false content triggered violence and public unrest.
Rotimi emphasized that while AI has transformative potential, it must not compromise truth, ethics, or press freedom.
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The event also featured panel discussions on “Journalism, Trust, and Safety in the Age of AI,” live demos of CJID’s AI tools for inclusive journalism, and training sessions on digital resilience and ethical news production.
In her closing remarks, CJID Deputy Director Busola Ajibola extended gratitude to all partners and journalists, praising their dedication to truth and democracy.
