The federal government has urged the development of ethical guidelines for the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) in journalism, highlighting the need to balance technological innovation with journalistic integrity.
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Speaking at the 2025 World Press Freedom Day event in Abuja, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, emphasised the importance of establishing appropriate legal safeguards and ethical frameworks for AI use in media.
“As we embrace AI’s potential to transform journalism, we must establish appropriate legal safeguards and ethical frameworks,” said Idris, who was represented by Dr. Suleman Haruna, Director of Press, Public Relations and Protocol at the ministry.
The event, themed “Reporting in the Brave New World– The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media,” was organised by Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) in partnership with the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID).
Idris called for investments in training journalists to work effectively with AI tools and advocated for transparency in AI-generated content. He noted that the line between human and AI-generated content is becoming increasingly blurred, raising concerns about transparency, accountability, and bias in reporting.
The federal government is working on developing a national policy framework for AI in media that promotes innovation while safeguarding press freedom and journalistic integrity, according to the minister.
House of Representatives Committee Chairman on Media and Public Affairs, Akintunde Rotimi, expressed concern about preserving journalistic integrity in an AI-dominated world.
“Technology is a tool, not a conscience,” Rotimi stated. “AI cannot replicate moral clarity, human empathy, or the moral courage to challenge power—all of which lie at the core of the journalistic vocation.”
The resident representative of KAS, Marija Peran, noted that while AI can empower journalists to work more efficiently, it also introduces risks that may threaten press freedom. She stressed the importance of balancing technological efficiency with ethical responsibility.
The World Press Freedom Day, celebrated annually on May 3rd, serves as a reminder to governments of their commitment to uphold press freedom, said CJID Executive Director Akintunde Babatunde.
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