…Says that the Commission will soon issue an advisory on the ethical use and deployment of AI in Nigeria.
By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called on all stakeholders to always recognize the Press as a critical partner in the democratic process and desist from any form of confrontation and interference with the lawful duties of journalists and other media workers as Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark the 2025 World Press Freedom Day (WPFD).
Speaking in Abuja on the eve of the commemoration, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu OFR, SAN, emphasized the urgent need for AI regulations that align with human rights standards.
Dr Ojukwu also called for the establishment of ethical and legal frameworks to guide the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), citing its growing influence on media and freedom of expression, stressing that the Commission will soon issue an advisory on the ethical use and deployment of AI in Nigeria.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Director, Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, Fatimah Agwai Mohammed made available to Precise Post on Saturday.
According to the statement, the NHRC Scribe noted that while AI offers opportunities to enhance journalism through content creation, investigative reporting, and fact-checking, it also poses significant risks such as misinformation, cyberbullying, and incitement.
“The theme of this year’s commemoration, ‘Reporting in the Brave New World – The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media,’ is timely given the rapid growth of digital technology,” Dr. Ojukwu said.
Dr. Ojukwu highlighted that AI tools can both enhance and hinder freedom of expression. While they can break communication barriers, he warned that irresponsible use could lead to rights violations. He urged journalists and citizens to adopt AI responsibly and avoid content that could incite violence or undermine public trust.
He also appealed to government authorities to support journalists in carrying out their constitutional role of holding power to account, stressing the need for mutual respect and non-interference in the lawful duties of media professionals.
Commending the resilience of journalists in Nigeria, Dr. Ojukwu praised their courage in the face of harassment and intimidation, including the seizure of equipment by some security agents. He reiterated that World Press Freedom Day is not about assigning blame but reflecting on press freedom principles and honoring journalists who have paid the ultimate price in pursuit of truth.
Recall that World Press Freedom Day, celebrated annually on May 3rd since 1993, serves as a reminder of governments’ commitments to press freedom and journalists’ responsibility to uphold professional ethics.
