As Nigeria commemorates the 2025 World Press Freedom Day, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called for robust ethical and legal frameworks to manage the complex challenges posed by Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Speaking in Abuja ahead of the occasion, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr Tony Ojukwu, SAN, underscored the urgent need for regulatory measures to ensure that AI development respects fundamental human rights and prevents misuse.
He announced that the Commission would soon issue an advisory on AI deployment in Nigeria.
Dr Ojukwu acknowledged the transformative potential of AI in journalism, including its ability to support content creation, investigative reporting, research, and fact-checking. However, he warned of the risks associated with irresponsible AI use—such as the spread of misinformation, cyberbullying, emotional manipulation, and incitement.
Reflecting on this year’s theme, “Reporting in the Brave New World – The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media,” he described it as both timely and relevant, given the growing integration of AI into global media and communication landscapes. While AI can enhance freedom of expression through improved access and operational efficiency, he noted that its abuse could undermine that very freedom.
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Dr Ojukwu urged journalists and citizens alike to engage with AI constructively, leveraging its benefits to promote free expression while avoiding hate speech and inflammatory language.
He further appealed to the authorities to support journalists in performing their constitutional duty of holding power to account. Reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to press freedom, he emphasised that the media must be treated as a key democratic partner. He also warned that obstruction of lawful journalistic activity could lead to legal consequences.
The Executive Secretary commended Nigerian journalists for their resilience in the face of intimidation, including harassment and the destruction or seizure of their equipment by some security agents.
He concluded by stating that World Press Freedom Day should serve as a moment of reflection on the principles of press freedom, an evaluation of media conditions worldwide, and an opportunity to honour journalists who have sacrificed their lives in pursuit of truth.
Established in 1993, World Press Freedom Day is observed annually on 3 May to reaffirm the value of free and ethical journalism and to remind governments of their obligation to safeguard press freedom.
