The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has charged broadcasters to uphold accuracy, verification and fairness ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning against the spread of AI-generated misinformation.
The Minister gave the charge on Monday in Bauchi at the 3rd Annual National Conference of the Society of Nigerian Broadcasters (SNB).
The conference theme is: “Responsible Broadcasting in an Election Year: Countering Misinformation, Promoting Peace and Strengthening Democracy.”
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The Minister represented by the Director General voice of Nigeria Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace , said broadcasting remains one of the most powerful channels for information in Nigeria and must ensure information placed before the public is accurate, verified, fair and properly contextualised.
The Minister noted that broadcast content now moves instantly from radio and television to social media and messaging apps, while Artificial Intelligence has made it possible to create convincing fake audio, video and photos.
“Verification cannot be treated as an occasional newsroom procedure; it must remain at the heart of professional broadcasting,” Idris said.
He cautioned broadcasters against giving prominence to unverified online materials simply because they are trending, stressing the need to distinguish between facts, allegations and opinions.
Idris, however, clarified that responsible broadcasting should not be interpreted as favourable broadcasting.
“A professional media must continue to question government, political parties and public institutions.
The requirement is that such scrutiny should be grounded in facts, fairness and professional ethics,” he said.
The Minister said the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken steps to reposition broadcasting as a democratic and economic infrastructure.
He cited the launch of Nigeria’s Digital Switch Over (DSO) platform in June 2026, describing it as a major transition from analogue to digital television with opportunities for content expansion, job creation and growth in advertising and creative industries.
Idris also listed ongoing modernisation of public broadcasters, including:
– Completion of an ultra-modern television studio at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) headquarters, Abuja;
– Renewal of infrastructure across the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) network;
– Restoration of Voice of Nigeria’s 250KW shortwave transmitter at Lugbe, Abuja, with digitally compatible technology.
According to him, the government is also prioritising media literacy with the establishment of the UNESCO Category 2 International Media and Information Literacy Institute in Abuja.
Idris urged broadcasters to avoid incitement, hate speech and ethnic provocation as political activities intensify, while ensuring robust debate and legitimate criticism thrive.
“The future of broadcasting will be shaped by technology, but its credibility will continue to depend on people. Accuracy, fairness and respect for public interest must remain at the centre,” he added.
He commended the SNB for its role in professional development and welcomed the induction of new members at the conference.
