{
  "id": 16053311,
  "title": "NITDA DG to Media: Deploy AI for fact-checking, not replacing journalists",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/22/nitda-dg-to-media-deploy-ai-for-fact-checking-not-replacing",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-22T12:23:46.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Trust",
    "slug": "daily-trust",
    "url": "https://dailytrust.com/nitda-dg-to-media-deploy-ai-for-fact-checking-not-replacing-journalists/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, the Director-General of Nigeria's National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has called on media organizations to employ artificial intelligence (AI) to verify information and boost public trust. During the official launch of the Media Trust Group’s combined newsroom, Abdullahi highlighted the importance of using AI ethically and responsibly in journalism. He stated that AI's most significant contribution to newsrooms should not be the swiftness of breaking news but its capability to aid journalists in authenticating information and addressing the escalating challenge of distinguishing genuine content from fabricated material. Abdullahi emphasized that AI should not be utilized to replace journalists but rather as a tool to enhance their work. He noted that advances in AI had made it increasingly challenging for the public to ascertain the authenticity of digital content such as images, videos, and other media. Manipulated content could lead people to believe that individuals are saying or doing things they never did, posing difficulties for journalists and media organizations striving to provide reliable information. \"Today, it is difficult to believe anything you see,\" Abdullahi remarked. He urged journalists to prioritize verification before publishing or disseminating information, stressing that the media plays a crucial role in helping the public navigate the increasing volume of digital content. \"What people are seeking from individuals like you in the media, journalists, is to ensure you authenticate everything before amplifying it,\" he stated. Abdullahi expressed confidence that the Media Trust Group would leverage AI tools to enhance verification, clarify information, and bolster the credibility of its news reports. \"I am convinced you will employ AI in your newsroom for clarification, to amplify authenticity, and to foster trust in what people see,\" he concluded.",
  "summary": "The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, has urged media organisations to deploy artificial intelligence (AI) to verify information and strengthen public trust. Abdullahi spoke on Thursday at the official unveiling of the Media Trust Group’s converged newsroom, where he emphasised the need for ethical and responsible use of…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}