Media experts have emphasised the importance for Nigerian journalists to enhance their understanding of emerging technologies, legal frameworks, and digital safety protocols.
This call to action comes as the profession undergoes a significant transformation in response to advancements in artificial intelligence and increasing online vulnerabilities.
It came during the 2025 Retreat of the Kano Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), held in Kaduna, with the theme: “Emerging Trends in Journalism: Impact of AI, News Sources & Digital-Driven Newsroom in Modern Journalism; Tasks Before Journalists.”
Delivering a paper on “The Defamatory Border Lines in Media Reports: A Legal Perspective,” a legal practitioner, Yusuf Abdul Salam reminded journalists that Nigeria guarantees freedom of expression, not freedom of the press, stressing the need for reporters to choose their words carefully and verify sources to avoid defamatory publications.
“Careless reporting can easily cross into libel or defamation,” he warned.
In another presentation titled “AI in Journalism and Mass Communication: Scope and Values,” media veteran, Hajia Sani emphasised that journalists must continuously upgrade their digital skills to remain competitive.
“If you don’t know how to utilise new devices and technologies, you will be left behind,” she said.
She cautioned that while AI enhances content production, it also introduces ethical and social challenges that journalists must navigate responsibly.
Speaking on Digital media dynamics, Abdullateef Abubakar Jos, noted that many journalists particularly online publishers are increasingly falling victim to cybercrime.
He urged practitioners to uphold professionalism and verify information despite the fast-paced pressures of the digital space.
Chairman of the retreat and Director-General, Media and Public Relations at the Kano State Government House, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, commended the facilitators for their insightful contributions.
Bature, who is also the spokesperson to Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, advised journalists against over dependence on AI systems.
“Artificial Intelligence relies on human input. Journalists should not surrender their creativity and professionalism to machines,” he cautioned.
Bature urged practitioners to embrace digital innovation without compromising journalistic standards.