IPI Nigeria to examine AI threats to media integrity

By Funmilayo Adeyemi

The International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria will examine Artificial Intelligence (AI) threats to media integrity and explore AI-powered solutions to combat misinformation at its 2026 conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM).

The institute disclosed this in a statement jointly signed by its Deputy President, Fidelis Mbah, and Secretary, Ahmed Shekarau, and made available to newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja.

The conference, themed “Truth Under Pressure: Journalism, AI and Information Integrity,” will hold between Dec. 2 and Dec. 3 at Bolton White Hotel, Wuse Zone 7, Abuja.

The institute noted that the two-day event would examine emerging challenges confronting the Nigerian media, particularly AI’s impact on journalism, information integrity, disinformation, press freedom and journalists’ safety.

It added that the conference would also provide a platform for deliberations on critical national and industry issues to advance free, independent and responsible journalism.

A key focus, according to IPI, will be strengthening collaboration between the media and security agencies.

Speaking ahead of the confidence, IPI Nigeria President, Musikilu Mojeed, said the gathering would explore how journalists could use AI-powered tools and transparent verification processes to safeguard the accuracy and integrity of their reports.

Mojeed said the conference would also assess the state of media freedom and journalists’ safety in Nigeria and discuss policy and legal reforms to strengthen independent journalism.

He said it would further promote constructive engagement between the media and government on transparency and accountability.

He added that the gathering would facilitate the exchange of best practices and global perspectives on protecting press freedom and promoting responsible journalism.

According to him, the conference is expected to attract policymakers, experts, media executives, journalists and media freedom advocates.

“Participants will examine how AI-generated deepfakes and other forms of synthetic media threaten public trust in journalism, particularly as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.

“The event will feature the induction of new members into IPI Nigeria to expand its network and strengthen its commitment to defending press freedom and promoting responsible journalism.

“The second day, Dec. 3, will be devoted to the organisation’s AGM, which is exclusively for members.

“The AGM will provide an opportunity to receive and deliberate on Executive Committee reports, review the organisation’s activities and strategic direction, and consider new initiatives and partnerships to strengthen press freedom and journalists’ safety in Nigeria,” he said.

Founded in 1950, IPI is a global network of editors, media executives and leading journalists across more than 100 countries.

For over seven decades, the organisation has championed the promotion, protection and defence of press freedom and independent journalism worldwide. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab