The Federal Government has called for the development of ethical guidelines for the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in journalism.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the call during the 2025 World Press Freedom Day event in Abuja.
The programme was organised by Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) in collaboration with the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID).
The event, themed “Reporting in the Brave New World – The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media,” attracted various media professionals and stakeholders.
Idris, represented by the ministry’s Director of Press, Public Relations and Protocol, Dr. Suleman Haruna, stressed the need to train journalists to work effectively with AI tools. He also advocated for transparency in AI-generated content.
“As we embrace AI’s potential to transform journalism, we must establish appropriate legal safeguards and ethical frameworks,” he said, adding that press freedom is essential for a free society and thriving democracy.
He noted that the line between human and AI-generated content is increasingly blurred, raising concerns about transparency, accountability, and bias.
“Newsrooms are now disclosing when AI is used in content creation, especially after cases where outlets failed to do so properly,” he added.
Idris reaffirmed the government’s commitment to responsible AI adoption in journalism.
“Our future is not man versus machine, but man with machine. AI should enhance newsroom excellence and uphold the vision that drives journalism.”
He revealed that the government is working towards a national policy framework for AI in media—one that promotes innovation while safeguarding press freedom and journalistic integrity.
The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Akintunde Rotimi raised concerns about maintaining journalistic integrity in a world dominated by AI.
“Technology is a tool, not a conscience,” he said.
“AI can generate articles, compose music, and process data at speed, but it cannot replicate moral clarity, empathy, or the courage to challenge power—qualities at the heart of journalism.”
Rotimi acknowledged AI’s potential benefits, such as accelerating reporting and enhancing verification. However, he also warned of risks, including the amplification of bias, erosion of editorial independence, and the spread of misinformation.
“The rise of AI-generated false news is not just a theoretical concern—it is a reality already impacting societies globally,” he said.
He urged stakeholders to reflect on the press’s challenges and recommit to upholding free expression, accountability, and democratic governance.
The Resident Representative of KAS, Marija Peran said the world is now confronted with both new opportunities and risks due to AI.
She noted that while AI can enhance journalistic speed and efficiency, it also poses threats to press freedom.
“AI must be integrated in a way that upholds truth and integrity,” she said.
“This day offers an opportunity to explore how AI is shaping journalism and how we can protect press freedom in a tech-driven future.”
Peran emphasized the need to defend media independence and reaffirmed KAS’s commitment to supporting strong, independent media globally.
CJID Executive Director, Akintunde Babatunde, highlighted that World Press Freedom Day serves as a reminder to governments of their obligation to uphold press freedom.
World Press Freedom Day is observed annually on May 3.
