Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida

The Nigerian Communications Commission NCC, has warned media practitioners in the country against over reliance on Artificial Intelligence AI, in news production, which he noted may not guarantee accuracy. He therefore urged journalists to remain committed to verifying information sources, fairness, professional judgment and accountability.

Speaking at a workshop organised by The Press Society TPS, in Lagos, Thursday, September 3, 2026, where journalists and other media stakeholders examined the growing use of AI and its implications for journalism, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the Commission, Dr Aminu Maida further cautioned against the growing use of AI in news production, saying it could erode the ethics of the profession if adequate caution was not observed.

He delivered a speech entitled: “Artificial Intelligence, Digital Innovation and Responsible Reporting: The Role of Telecommunications and Innovation in Nigeria”.

Represented by the Head, Media Relations Unit of the Commission, Babatunde Agbeji, Dr. Maida said AI has become increasingly useful to journalists and other professionals by improving efficiency and speeding up the production and distribution of news content.

“The advantages of the technology came with serious concerns over accuracy, credibility and public trust, particularly because false information could now be produced and circulated in highly convincing forms.

“Manipulated images, sensitive audio materials and misleading content could appear convincing even to experienced observers.

“The obligation of journalists to verify information had not changed with the introduction of AI, insisting that professional judgment remained necessary in determining whether information was fit for publication.

“The credibility of journalism still depends on diligence, evidence and accountability, regardless of the tools used in gathering, processing or presenting information.

“The importance of credible journalism had become greater in the digital age because citizens increasingly depend on the media for information needed to participate in public discussions and make decisions”, he said.

The NCC-boss urged journalists to develop a practical understanding of AI, including its capabilities and limitations, so that they could make informed decisions when using the technology in their work.

He argued that technology could accelerate the production and distribution of news but could not replace integrity, sound evidence and professional responsibility.

He also called for the development of appropriate regulatory measures to accompany technological advancement, saying regulation must keep pace with the development of new technologies.

“As technology develops, regulation must also develop,” he said, adding that innovation should operate within a framework that promotes security, fairness and accountability.

Maida further identified computer protection, cybersecurity and network resilience as areas that require attention as the media and other sectors increase their dependence on digital systems.

The Executive Director of Media Career Development Network, Lekan Otunfodurin, who spoke on “Ethics, Credibility and Public Trust in AI Era,” said the emergence of AI had not abolished the ethical obligations of Nigerian journalists.

Otunfodurin said journalists must continue to abide by the code guiding the profession while making use of AI tools, stressing that the technology might change how journalism was produced but could not change what journalism owed the public.

He urged every journalist to understand the journalism and broadcasting codes, noting that AI could assist with professional tasks but could not assume the responsibilities of the journalist.

Otunfodurin’s position centred on the need for journalists to remain answerable for the reports they publish, even when AI has been used in researching, writing, editing or processing the material.

Also speaking, Dr Segun Awe, who represented the Managing Director of Global Transport Policy, Dr Segun Musa, described AI as having moved from being simply a tool to something increasingly comparable to a colleague in the newsroom.

Awe said the technology could increase the volume of content produced by helping journalists generate several headlines, suggest story ideas and personalise content for different audiences.

He, however, warned media organisations against using AI without considering the consequences of its application.

He called on media houses to establish clear AI disclosure policies requiring them to indicate when content had been produced or assisted by AI.

According to him, AI can generate different angles to a story, but the editor must determine which angle best serves the public interest.

He also stressed that although AI could transcribe interviews and other recordings, journalists must verify the information before using it in published reports.

“AI can generate, but human beings must take responsibility,” he said.

The convener of the workshop, Abayomi Adagunduro, also warned journalists against allowing the growing competition for attention and speed of publication to weaken professional standards.

Adagunduro acknowledged the usefulness of AI in generating stories, headlines, images, videos and voices, but said the technology could not replace the conscience of a responsible journalist.

He said AI could generate words but could not take responsibility for the consequences of those words.

He explained that an AI system could produce an image without understanding whether publishing it could damage someone’s reputation or create unnecessary public panic.

Adagunduro also warned that the pressure to break news first must not cause journalists to forget the basic requirements of being right, fair, responsible and ethical.

He said the future of journalism would not be determined simply by the technology available to journalists but by how responsibly they use it.

“If technology is powerful, then our values must be stronger,” he said, stressing that journalism must continue to place human judgment at the centre of the profession.

He urged journalists to use AI as a tool to support their work rather than as a substitute for professional journalism.

Other speakers and stakeholders at the workshop commended TPS for organising the programme at a time when AI is increasingly being adopted across different industries and professional fields.

They said the training would help media practitioners understand how to use AI while maintaining the credibility and ethical standards expected of journalism.

They stressed that although AI could generate content, it could not replace integrity, courage and human judgment in professional journalism.

The workshop also featured presentations by Bukola Adebayo and Lanre Arogundade, who examined the advantages and challenges associated with AI and its growing influence on media practice.

The event was attended by a number of media stakeholders, including the Chief Press Secretaries from Conference 57 led by Abdulsalam Kamardeen and the Chairperson of the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Lagos State Chapter, Mrs Jumoke Johnson, who represented Dr Jide Johnson.

At the end of the workshop, the organisers identified a number of areas that should guide the use of AI in newsrooms.

They called on journalists to disclose when AI had been used to generate content and urged media organisations to establish in-house policies setting out the limits of acceptable AI use.

Participants were also reminded that AI can make false information appear credible and can produce fabricated or inaccurate suggestions, making fact checking necessary before any report is published.

The workshop stressed that truth remains central to journalism and that reports must continue to meet the requirements of factual, accurate and fair reporting.

The participants also agreed that public trust remains one of the most important assets of journalism and that the use of AI must not come at the expense of integrity, sound judgment and commitment to the truth.

A highpoint of the event was the presentation of awards to distinguished partners of the organisers, while participants received certificates of participation.