The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has urged media organisations to deploy artificial intelligence (AI) as a tool for fact-checking and improving journalistic accuracy, rather than as a replacement for human journalists.
The DG said AI could help journalists verify information, identify inconsistencies and improve the efficiency of news production, but stressed that the technology should complement, not displace, professional journalism.
The call comes amid growing adoption of AI-powered tools across the media industry, raising questions about the future of news reporting, editorial responsibility and the credibility of information published by media organisations.
AI tools are increasingly being used to analyse large volumes of information, transcribe interviews, translate content and detect potentially misleading claims. However, experts have also raised concerns about inaccurate AI-generated content, fabricated information and the spread of misinformation.
The NITDA chief’s position highlights the need for journalists to embrace emerging technologies while maintaining the professional standards that underpin credible reporting.
Journalists, the agency’s message suggests, should use AI to strengthen their ability to scrutinise information rather than surrender editorial judgement to automated systems.
The technology, while capable of speeding up routine tasks, can produce misleading or entirely fabricated information. Human oversight therefore remains essential to ensure that reports are accurate, balanced and fair.
The debate over AI in journalism has intensified as media organisations seek to adapt to changing audience habits and technological advances without compromising public trust.
For newsrooms, the challenge is to find a balance between innovation and accountability, ensuring that AI supports the search for truth while journalists retain responsibility for the stories they publish.
