Media practitioners have been urged to be responsible, harnessing the opportunities in the use of Artificial Intelligence to safeguard the fundamental principles of press freedom.

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Press Council, Dr Dili Ezughah, gave the advice in a statement to mark the 2025 World Press Freedom Day on Friday in Abuja.Mr 

Mr Ezughah also felicitated with media professionals across the country.

The 2025 celebration had as theme: “Navigating the AI Frontier: Strengthening Press Freedom in Nigeria’s Digital Transformation.’’

The executive secretary said that the theme reflected the pressing need to examine how artificial intelligence was reshaping the media landscape and the implications for press freedom.

He said, “We call on all media practitioners to use this occasion to critically assess the state of press freedom in Nigeria amid the rapid digital transformation and the growing influence of artificial intelligence technologies in the media space. The council recognises that Al tools offer unprecedented opportunities for enhancing investigative journalism, data analysis, content creation, and audience engagement. We must collectively address how to harness the opportunities of AI while safeguarding the fundamental principles of press freedom. ethical journalism, and the public’s right to accurate information.’’

Mr Ezughah stressed that these technologies must be deployed responsibly, with human oversight and ethical considerations at the forefront of their implementation.

“Media professionals should remain vigilant against the emerging challenges posed by Al-generated misinformation and disinformation. As gatekeepers of information, journalists must uphold the highest ethical standards and verify all content, particularly in this era where synthetic media and deepfakes can undermine public trust in journalism,” Mr Ezughah said.

The NPC boss reaffirmed the council’s commitment to fostering high professional standards in the Nigerian press, adding that it would continue to build the capacity of journalists to navigate this evolving digital landscape.

He maintained that a free, independent, and professional press remained essential to Nigeria’s democratic development, even as the methods and tools of journalism continued to evolve.

He stated, “We also call on government agencies, technology companies, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders to work collaboratively in developing frameworks that promote responsible AI use in the media sector while preserving press freedom and journalistic independence. As we commemorate this important day, the council encourages all media professionals to embrace the opportunities offered by the Freedom of Information Act as a vital instrument for factual and investigative journalism in the digital age.’’ 

(NAN)