Journalists urged to embrace artificial intelligence responsibly to fight misinformation and boost investigative reporting
By Danjuma AMODU
Journalists and media leaders on Tuesday urged Nigerian newsrooms to urgently adopt artificial intelligence and data-driven reporting or risk being left behind, as Chevron Nigeria Limited and the NUJ FCT Council launched a training to equip reporters with digital tools for fact-checking, investigations and audience engagement.
The call was made at a media capacity-building programme organised by Chevron Nigeria Limited and the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, FCT Council in Abuja.
Stakeholders said AI is redefining journalism globally, offering new opportunities to improve news gathering, fact-checking, data analysis and investigative reporting. They, however, warned that the technology must be deployed responsibly to preserve credibility, ethics and public trust.
Speaking at the opening, Chairman of NUJ FCT Council, Grace Ike, described AI as a game changer transforming every stage of news production.
“Artificial Intelligence is no longer a distant concept but a powerful tool reshaping how we gather, verify and deliver news,” she said.
She noted that AI has become valuable in helping journalists process vast amounts of information quickly and accurately.
“AI enhances our ability to analyse vast data, detect misinformation and engage audiences more effectively. It offers unprecedented opportunities to improve the speed, accuracy and reach of our reporting,” Ike added.
Against the backdrop of growing fake news and manipulated digital content, she stressed that AI-powered tools are becoming indispensable in safeguarding information integrity.
“With the rise of misinformation, especially during elections and public health crises, AI-powered platforms cross-reference claims against trusted databases and detect manipulated media like deepfakes,” she said.
“Let us embrace innovation boldly but responsibly, ensuring that technology enhances our mission to inform, enlighten and serve society with courage and integrity.”
– Grace Ike, NUJ FCT Chairman
Ike, however, cautioned that AI must never replace professional editorial judgement.
“Embracing AI comes with ethical responsibilities. We must ensure transparency in AI algorithms and guard against biases that could skew reporting,” she said.
Also speaking, General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, Chevron Nigeria Limited, Olusoga Oduselu, represented by Communications Manager Victor Anyaegbudike, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to strengthening journalism through sustained investment in media capacity development.
“We believe in the value derivable from developing human capital,” Oduselu said. “As members of the fourth estate of the realm, your role as agenda-setters and opinion moulders cannot be over-emphasised.”
He disclosed that since 2014, more than 120 media professionals have benefited from Chevron-sponsored programmes at Pan-Atlantic University, while over 180 journalists have participated in the company’s zonal media capacity-building initiatives.
He urged participants to use the knowledge acquired to promote balanced, factual and development-focused journalism.
The training focused on the use of AI, data journalism and emerging digital tools to improve newsroom productivity, strengthen investigative reporting and enhance coverage of Nigeria’s energy sector. Participants were also encouraged to leverage AI for research, transcription, trend analysis and data visualisation, while keeping editorial decisions under human control.
The programme comes at a critical time for Nigeria’s media industry, which is grappling with declining advertising revenues, the rapid spread of misinformation and the disruptive impact of AI on traditional journalism.
Globally, news organisations including Reuters, Bloomberg, AP and the BBC have incorporated AI into newsroom operations for transcription, data analysis and audience engagement. In Nigeria, adoption remains early, with many newsrooms facing limited resources, poor digital infrastructure and a shortage of specialised skills.
The Chevron-NUJ initiative is therefore seen as a timely intervention to equip journalists with tools to compete in a digital media environment while reinforcing ethical journalism.
