IPI Nigeria to examine AI’s threat to media integrity

The International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria will examine the growing threat artificial intelligence (AI) poses to media integrity and explore how newsrooms can use AI-powered verification tools to detect and counter misinformation at its 2026 conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM).

According to a statement jointly signed by the organisation’s Deputy President, Fidelis Mbah, and Secretary, Ahmed Shekarau, the two-day conference, themed “Truth Under Pressure: Journalism, AI and Information Integrity,” will be held on 2 and 3 December 2026, at the Bolton White Hotel, Wuse Zone 7, Abuja.

The conference will examine emerging challenges confronting the Nigerian media industry, particularly the impact of AI on journalism, information integrity, disinformation, press freedom and journalists’ safety.

It will also provide a platform for deliberations on critical national and industry issues, with a view to advancing the cause of free, independent and responsible journalism.

A key focus of the gathering, the statement added, will be strengthening collaboration between the media and security agencies.

The event is expected to attract policymakers, subject-matter 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.

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

Mr Mojeed said the conference would further provide an opportunity to assess the state of media freedom and journalists’ safety in Nigeria, discuss policy and legal reforms needed to strengthen independent journalism, and foster 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.

The conference will also feature the induction of new members into IPI Nigeria, further expanding the organisation’s network and strengthening its commitment to defending press freedom and promoting responsible journalism in the country.

The second day, December 3, will be devoted to the organisation’s Annual General Meeting, an exclusive session for IPI Nigeria members.

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

Founded in 1950, IPI is a global network of editors, media executives and leading journalists spanning more than 100 countries. For over seven decades, the organisation has championed the promotion, protection and defence of press freedom and independent journalism around the world.