Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the media industry, but without proper regulations, Nigeria risks serious consequences. That’s the concern raised by Mrs. Busola Ajibola, Deputy Director at the Centre for Journalism, Innovation and Development (CJID), during a recent media workshop in Abuja.
Speaking at a one-day capacity-building event organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council in partnership with Chevron Nigeria, Ajibola called for urgent national policies to guide the ethical use of AI.
“AI is here to stay. But without policies, it could be used to harm journalism and democracy,” she warned.
The Benefits and the Threats of AI in Media
Ajibola acknowledged that AI tools already help journalists streamline their work: summarizing reports, transcribing interviews, analyzing data, and even spotting gender bias. However, she emphasized the need for caution.
While AI improves efficiency, it also opens the door to disinformation, deepfakes, and even unethical practices like digital undressing of women, raising serious concerns about privacy and consent.
“We need to ask: Who owns the data? Who ensures ethical use? Journalists must lead these conversations,” Ajibola stressed.
Protecting Democracy Through Regulation
One of her biggest concerns was AI’s role in undermining democratic values, especially when fake videos or misleading content influence elections and public opinion.
“If journalists don’t act, democracy will suffer,” she said.
“We must combat misinformation, mal-information, and disinformation.”
Journalists Must Be AI-Savvy
Ajibola urged media professionals to equip themselves with AI tools, not just for productivity, but to stay ahead of the risks.
“AI isn’t a threat to journalism, it’s a tool. But truth and editorial oversight must remain non-negotiable,” she concluded.
As AI continues to reshape journalism in Nigeria, the call for clear, enforceable regulations has never been more urgent. Journalists are not just reporters; they’re gatekeepers of truth. And in the AI age, that role matters more than ever.
