The War On Artificial Intelligence and Nigerian Media Management

By Azeez Sulaiman

There is a revolution underway that carries no banner, fires no shot, and draws no crowd. It moves quietly, built not on steel and smoke but on algorithms and data. It whispers promises of speed, precision, and efficiency. Yet, within that silence, lies a question that only a few are willing to confront: who is overseeing the use of artificial intelligence within the Nigerian media landscape?

This very question became a source of discomfort during a recent class presentation, where my colleagues discussed media management and the rise of digital technologies, including AI. I criticised them for not only exploring the topic but also for overlooking the strategies Nigerian media managers actually employ in navigating these technologies. The tension escalated when I asked them to name a single Nigerian media organization that has fully embraced AI with the same commitment seen in developed countries, especially after the lead presenter had proven its existence.

My intervention, along with the questions I raised, led some of my coursemates to perceive me as antagonistic toward AI. I quite deem that ironic owing that I am a researcher in AI safety. How could such a label be assigned to someone deeply invested in the responsible use of these tools?

The truth is that most Nigerian media organisations are yet to take decisive steps toward adopting AI. This hesitancy, however, should not be attributed to indifference. The core challenge lies in Nigeria broader limitations in technological infrastructure and innovation. A closer look at media institutions in developed nations reveals that even they do not merely import ready-made AI tools. Instead, they design bespoke systems that are tailored to their needs and seamlessly integrated into their operational frameworks.

If developed countries, with all their resources, have been cautious enough to recognise the potential risks associated with incorporating AI into their workflows, how much more should our media industry hesitate before embracing a tool that may not even possess contextual knowledge of our local environment? In that sense, the reluctance to speak openly about full adoption is, in fact, a strategic decision.

However, despite the institutional hesitation, we have witnessed numerous journalists, writers, and other stakeholders in the media space acknowledging their use of AI. This is the real bone of contention. If journalists are already using AI, on what basis are they doing so? Do they have the knowledge of the tools before using them? Are there directives from management regarding such usage? If the management is unaware, does that not suggest these tools are being used without verification? And if they are unvetted, does that not compromise the integrity of information sources? These are but a few of the many pressing questions that continue to arise.

The issue, admittedly, is complex. Of course, AI is here to stay, and it promises to enhance productivity and improve efficiency. However, without adequate knowledge, no individual, including journalists can derive the best from these tools. Moreover, understanding AI, especially in the context of journalism, goes far beyond merely using a generative app or sending an AI-powered drone to a news scene. It is not simply about downloading a tool to detect fake news. It is much more than that. It entails a deep understanding of the developer’s ideology and philosophy of AI’s strengths and weaknesses, of its data sources, and of how to maintain control over the prompts given to it. It also involves developing the critical ability to verify AI-generated information, as many researchers have already demonstrated that AI outputs can be biased.

Without sounding pessimistic, the Nigerian media industry will eventually reach that level, but certainly not just yet. The reasons are not far-fetched. Knowledge and ethics are inextricably linked. The ethical use of AI requires transparency regarding how and why it is used. Ethical practices open up opportunities for public integration of AI tools within media organisations. It would also encourage media houses in Nigeria to consistently organise workshops for their journalists. Beyond that, such practices would provide journalists with opportunities to attend both national and international trainings aimed at improving their understanding of AI in the newsroom. Eventually, knowledge of AI might even become a prerequisite for employing young journalists.

Azeez Sulaiman is a writer, editor, and graphic designer. He has previously served as Editor-in-Chief for two publications and currently holds the same position for the National Association of Social Science Students, ABU Chapter where he publishes a biweekly newsletter. Azeez is also an intern with the Global Citizenship Foundation, where he contributes to their weekly newsletter. He can be reached at azeezsulaiman05@gmail.com or 08133546108.