Lawmakers warn journalists: master AI, don't let it master you
A senior House of Representatives spokesman told Nigerian journalists this week to use artificial intelligence as a tool, not a crutch. Akintunde Rotimi Jr. cautioned against over-reliance on AI while acknowledging its value for fact-checking, data analysis, and detecting deepfakes.
Rotimi spoke at the Nigeria Union of Journalists' maiden annual lecture in Ado-Ekiti on April 3, an event honoring veteran journalist Biodun Akin Fasae. The theme: "Journalism and AI."
The real risk isn't replacement. It's erosion.
Rotimi framed the issue plainly: newsrooms won't be defined by automation replacing journalists, but by journalists using intelligent tools well. The actual danger lies elsewhere.
"Increasing dependence on automation could undermine ethical standards," he said. He noted a paradox-societies have more information than ever, yet trust in credible reporting continues to erode.
"AI is a tool in your hands, not the other way around. The future of journalism depends on our commitment to truth and integrity," Rotimi added.
Where self-regulation matters
Rotimi called on the NUJ to strengthen its own accountability systems. The implication was direct: the profession must police itself before external regulators step in.
Akin Fasae, the honoree, reinforced this message. After decades in journalism, he said the core values-truth, courage, public service-remain unchanged despite technological shifts. He urged younger journalists to hold those values while adopting new tools.
What this means for writers
For journalists and writers using AI, the message is clear: these tools work best when you understand what they can and cannot do. Learning to properly instruct AI systems-through prompt engineering-ensures you maintain control over output quality and ethical standards.
Writers looking to integrate AI into their workflow should explore AI for Writers, which covers both the mechanics of content creation with AI and the ethical guardrails that protect your credibility.
The NUJ President, represented at the event, commended the lecture as timely. The media landscape is shifting from analog to digital faster than many newsrooms can adapt. That shift makes the distinction between using AI and being used by it more important than ever.
Your membership also unlocks:
