By Mercy Peter
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has urged Nigerian broadcasters to strengthen fact-checking mechanisms and develop effective strategies to counter artificial intelligence-generated misinformation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Idris said the growing sophistication of digital technologies and social media had increased the risk of false and manipulated content spreading rapidly, making verification an essential component of professional broadcasting.
The minister made the call on Monday in Bauchi at the 3rd Annual National Conference of the Society of Nigerian Broadcasters (SNB), where he stressed the need for media organisations to adapt their newsroom practices to emerging technological challenges.
He was represented at the conference by the Director-General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Jibrin Baba Ndace.
According to Idris, broadcasters must ensure that information disseminated to the public is accurate, verified and properly contextualised, particularly as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.
He warned that the circulation of unverified information during election periods could mislead citizens, heighten political tensions and undermine confidence in the democratic process.
The minister said broadcasters must distinguish between established facts, allegations, opinions and unverified claims to prevent audiences from being misled by information presented without adequate scrutiny.
“Verification cannot be treated as an occasional newsroom procedure; it must remain at the heart of professional broadcasting,” he said.
Idris called on broadcast organisations to strengthen professional training and invest in the skills required to identify manipulated content, verify digital materials and report electoral developments responsibly.
He noted that the growing influence of artificial intelligence required journalists to exercise greater caution when handling information circulating online, particularly content capable of provoking public reactions or influencing political discourse.
The minister also cautioned broadcasters against interpreting responsible reporting as an obligation to favour the government or any political party, stressing that media organisations must retain their watchdog role.
“Responsible broadcasting, however, should never be interpreted as favourable broadcasting. A professional media must continue to question government, political parties, candidates and public institutions. It must investigate, scrutinise and hold those in positions of responsibility to account,” he said.
He maintained that professional independence and ethical responsibility were essential to credible journalism, especially during elections when citizens depend on the media for information about candidates, political parties and public issues.
Idris further warned against the use of broadcast platforms to spread hate speech, ethnic and religious provocation, incitement or deliberately false information.
He said political competition was a necessary feature of democracy but must not be allowed to threaten peaceful coexistence or encourage hostility among Nigerians.
The minister urged the Society of Nigerian Broadcasters to work with industry stakeholders to strengthen election reporting standards and promote responsible use of emerging technologies across the broadcasting sector.
He also highlighted Federal Government investments in broadcasting infrastructure, including the Digital Switch Over platform and the modernisation of the Nigerian Television Authority, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria and Voice of Nigeria.
According to him, while technology would continue to shape the future of broadcasting, public confidence in the industry would ultimately depend on the integrity and professionalism of media practitioners.
“The future of broadcasting will be shaped by technology, but its credibility will continue to depend on people,” he said.
Idris urged broadcasters to uphold accuracy, fairness and accountability while ensuring that technological advancements strengthened, rather than weakened, the quality of information available to the public.
He expressed the expectation that the conference would provide an opportunity for stakeholders to examine the challenges confronting the industry and develop practical approaches to improving professional standards ahead of the 2027 general elections.
