Abuja: The Federal Government on Friday called for the development of ethical guidelines for Artificial Intelligence (AI) use in journalism. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the call at the 2025 World Press Freedom Day organised by Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) in conjunction with the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the event, entitled "Reporting in the Brave New World- The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media," had different media personalities in attendance. Idris also called on stakeholders to invest in training journalists to effectively work with AI tools. Represented by Dr. Suleman Haruna, Director of Press, Public Relations and Protocol in the ministry, Idris advocated for transparency in AI-generated content and urged industry stakeholders to support the upcoming UNESCO Media and Information Literacy Institute to promote critical thinking and media literacy among citizens.
The minister emphasized that embracing AI's potential in journalism requires the establishment of legal safeguards and ethical frameworks. He noted that press freedom is essential for a free society and thriving democracy, but it must come with responsibility. Idris highlighted the increasing blurriness between human and AI-generated content, raising questions about transparency, accountability, and bias in reporting. He pointed out that newsrooms are increasingly disclosing AI use in content creation, citing instances where media outlets used AI without proper disclosure.
The Nigerian government is committed to supporting the responsible adoption of AI in journalism, stated Idris. He remarked that the future is not necessarily man versus machine but man with machine, emphasizing that AI innovation should enhance newsroom excellence and vision. The Federal Government is working on developing a national policy framework for AI in media to promote innovation while safeguarding press freedom and journalistic integrity.
Akintunde Rotimi, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Media and Public Affairs, expressed concern over preserving the integrity of journalism in a world increasingly dominated by AI. He asserted that while AI can accelerate reporting and enhance verification, it cannot replicate moral clarity, human empathy, or the courage to challenge power, which are core to journalism. Rotimi warned of the risks AI introduces, including amplifying biases, eroding editorial independence, and surging misinformation.
The rise of AI-generated false news is a reality impacting societies globally, Rotimi noted. He stressed the importance of upholding free expression, public accountability, and democratic governance as the press navigates these challenges. KAS Resident Representative Marija Peran highlighted AI's potential to transform information gathering and dissemination while posing risks to press freedom. She called for a balance between technological efficiency and ethical responsibility to uphold truth and integrity.
Peran emphasized examining AI's influence on journalism and addressing ethical questions to preserve press freedom in a technology-dominated future. She reaffirmed KAS's commitment to supporting strong and independent media worldwide. Akintunde Babatunde, Executive Director of CJID, stated that World Press Freedom Day reminds governments of their commitment to upholding press freedom. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that World Press Freedom Day is celebrated on May 3 annually.