General News
IPI Nigeria to Explore AI, Deepfakes and Press Freedom Ahead of 2027 Elections
The International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria will examine the growing threat artificial intelligence (AI) poses to media integrity and explore how newsrooms can deploy 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 take place on December 2 and 3, 2026, at the Bolton White Hotel, Wuse Zone 7, Abuja.
The conference will examine emerging challenges facing 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 discussions on critical national and industry issues, aimed at advancing the cause of free, independent and responsible journalism.
The statement noted that a major focus of the gathering would 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 discuss how AI-generated deepfakes and other forms of synthetic media threaten public trust in journalism, particularly as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.
Speaking ahead of the conference, IPI Nigeria President, Musikilu Mojeed, said the gathering would also explore how journalists could deploy AI-powered tools and transparent verification processes to protect the accuracy and integrity of information in their reports.
Mr Mojeed explained that the conference would provide an opportunity to assess the state of media freedom and journalists’ safety in Nigeria, examine the policy and legal reforms required to strengthen independent journalism, and encourage constructive engagement between the media and government on transparency and accountability.
He added that the gathering would promote the exchange of best practices and global perspectives on protecting press freedom and encouraging responsible journalism.
The conference will also feature the induction of new members into IPI Nigeria, further expanding the organisation’s network and reinforcing its commitment to defending press freedom and promoting responsible journalism in the country.
The second day of the event, December 3, will be dedicated 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 aimed at strengthening press freedom and journalists’ safety in Nigeria.
Founded in 1950, IPI is a global network of editors, media executives and leading journalists across more than 100 countries. For over seven decades, the organisation has championed the promotion, protection and defence of press freedom and independent journalism worldwide.