As the Giant of Africa, Nigeria approaches its 2027 electoral cycle, independent journalism faces a critical challenge: the pervasive threat of the artificial intelligence (AI) in shaping the information landscape.
A recent high-level masterclass in Abuja, organized by the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) and supported by Spanish Embassy, brought together media leaders to dissect how AI is poised to redefine the dissemination of information.
The consensus among presenters was clear: the primary danger has shifted. It is no longer just about AI’s capacity to generate falsehoods, but rather which platforms amplify them, to whom they are targeted, and the level of accountability involved.
Key Sessions and Insights:
Emerging Disinformation Challenges and the Fact-checking Response
Raquel Godos, EFE Verifica, in this session delved into the evolving disinformation landscape, where generative AI produces hyper-realistic content that is increasingly difficult to distinguish from reality.
Discussions also covered the growing influence of Large Language Model (LLM) grooming and its implications for information integrity, specifically analyzing the risks of relying on AI systems for factual corrections and potential ideological biases.
The Importance of Fact-checking in Local Languages
Alhassan Bala, Alkalanci underscored the critical role of language in local disinformation dynamics.
He explored the cultural and technological hurdles of verifying content in Hausa and highlighted the necessity for specialized strategies to effectively counter disinformation in local languages.
Artificial Intelligence in Newsrooms: Risks, Uses, and Practical Tools
Stéphane M. Grueso of Maldita.es provided a comprehensive overview of AI’s transformative impact on
journalistic practices.
He offered a critical reflection on both the opportunities and risks associated with AI integration in newsrooms, introducing practical tools for translation, transcription, voice synthesis, and the detection of AI-generated content.
The Nigerian Context on AI, Deepfakes, and Emerging Technologies in Election Information Disorder
Akintunde Babatunde, CJID Director ably represented by the CJID Content Lead, Monsui Hussain who specifically examined AI’s role in generating and amplifying misinformation ahead of future elections in Nigeria.
He showcased practical monitoring tools like the DUBAWA ChatBot and DUBAWA Audio, designed for tracking and the debunking electoral disinformation.
His session also addressed gendered information attacks targeting women
politicians, journalists, and voters, emphasizing the need for more inclusive and conflict sensitive reporting.
Applied Al Workshop
Beyond the expert presentations, the masterclass was defined by a rigorous, hands-on ‘Abuja Declaration’ exercise.
Participants were tasked with moving past abstract warnings to draft concrete, actionable principles for newsroom conduct.
By forcing a focus on real-world dilemmas—such as the unique challenges of verifying content in local languages versus major national platforms—the workshop aimed to ensure that the resulting guidelines are not just high-level ideals, but practical tools for journalists across every corner of Nigeria’s media landscape.
Conclusion
The masterclass concluded with a clear message: the future of democratic integrity in Nigeria hinges not on competing with AI, but on reinforcing the deep, empathetic, and courageous fieldwork that machines cannot replicate.
By mastering the ethical deployment
of AI while remaining rooted in traditional principles of verification and accountability, the press is uniquely positioned to lead the fight against information disorder in the lead-up to 2027.
