Safeguarding Truth in the Digital Era: Nigerian Government Urges AI Ethics and Press Freedom

AI in the Newsroom: Nigerian Government Urges Information Officers to Safeguard Truth in the Digital Age

On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day 2025, the Federal Information Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), together with the UNESCO Office in Nigeria, hosted a two-day workshop focused on Media and Information Literacy (MIL) for public information and relations officers.

The event took place at the Bolingo Hotel Art Gallery in Abuja and carried the theme, “Reporting in the Brave New World: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media.” It highlighted the ethical and operational challenges posed by Artificial Intelligence (AI) to modern journalism.

Commitment to Truth and Transparency

Dr. Suleiman Haruna, Director of Public Relations and Protocol at the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, delivered the keynote on behalf of the Minister of Information. He emphasized the importance of maintaining truth, transparency, and professionalism amidst the changes brought by AI.

“Artificial Intelligence is changing how information is gathered, validated, and consumed,” Haruna said. “While technology can improve efficiency, public communicators must ensure its use strengthens trust and accountability in governance.”

UNESCO’s Role and Call for Ethical Use of Technology

Mr. Albert Mendy, Head of Office and Representative of UNESCO in Abuja, reiterated UNESCO’s long-standing support for press freedom and ethical technology use. He shared a message from the UNESCO Director-General, noting that over half the population now depends primarily on digital platforms for news.

“This year’s theme calls on us to protect the integrity of information in a digital environment where algorithms can distort truth,” Mendy stated. “Access to reliable and diverse information is essential for building lasting peace.”

He also highlighted the need to observe ethical guidelines, such as the Windhoek+30 Declaration and UNESCO’s 2021 Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence.

Voices from the Nigeria Union of Journalists

Goodwill messages were delivered by Comrade Alhassan Yahya, National President of the NUJ, and Comrade Grace Ike, Chairperson of the NUJ FCT Council. Both praised UNESCO’s ongoing partnership and stressed the importance of equipping journalists and communicators with digital literacy skills to keep pace with media changes.

The UNESCO Country Representative added an international viewpoint, calling for stronger global collaboration on AI governance. He described AI as a shared challenge that demands a united response to protect freedom of expression and journalistic integrity.

Workshop Highlights and New Publication Launch

Comrade Raphael Towoju, Chairman of the Federal Information Chapel, described the workshop as vital for public communicators working at the intersection of journalism, governance, and technology.

“This training is about preserving human agency in journalism,” Towoju said. “Information and PR officers must rise to the challenge to inform and educate the public responsibly.”

The workshop also marked the official launch of Polity Today, the Federal Information Chapel’s new publication aimed at improving the reach and quality of government communication.

Looking Ahead

The programme concluded on May 23, 2025, following impactful sessions led by media experts and digital literacy trainers. Participants expressed gratitude to UNESCO and the Nigeria Union of Journalists, calling for more frequent, hands-on training to prepare communicators for the demands of the digital information era.

For government communicators seeking to strengthen their digital skills and understanding of AI’s impact on media, exploring comprehensive training options can be beneficial. Resources like Complete AI Training’s courses for government professionals provide practical knowledge tailored to public sector needs.