The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has warned that the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in news production must not displace the fundamental values of journalism, including truth, accuracy, fairness and professional judgment.
Idris spoke on Thursday in Calabar during the official reactivation of the remodelled Cross River State Newspaper Corporation, now transformed into the Cross River Information Hub, and the commissioning of the new Government Printing Press.
He said the rapid transformation of the information environment, driven by digital technology and artificial intelligence, had made it increasingly important for journalists to uphold professional standards and verify information before publication.
Idris noted that information now travels instantly across newspapers, radio, television, websites and social media, while AI continues to reshape the way information is produced and distributed.
“The faster information travels, the greater the premium we must place on verification,” he said.
“Technology may change the tools of journalism, but it cannot replace truth, accuracy, fairness and professional judgement.”
The Minister said credible journalism remained essential in protecting society from the growing threat of misinformation and disinformation.
“Credible journalism remains one of our strongest defences against misinformation, disinformation, hate speech and other forms of information disorder,” Idris said.
He added that the consequences of information disorder could extend beyond the media sector, warning that it could undermine public trust and national cohesion.
Idris commended Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, for revamping the state’s information infrastructure, describing the development as an investment in credible journalism and effective public communication.
“The decision of the Cross River State Government to rebuild and reposition this institution, rather than allow it to disappear into history, deserves commendation,” he said.
According to him, the project represented more than the renovation of buildings and installation of modern equipment.
“It represents the restoration of an important public institution and a renewed commitment to credible journalism, institutional memory and effective communication,” he said.
The Minister stressed the importance of information infrastructure to governance and development.
“Information infrastructure is itself an important component of development. Government cannot effectively serve people it does not effectively communicate with,” he said.
Idris recalled that the Cross River State Newspaper Corporation, established in 1971, had for decades documented the affairs of the government and people of the state through publications including the Nigerian Chronicle and Weekend Chronicle.
He said the transformation of the corporation into the Cross River Information Hub should mark the beginning of a new era for journalism in the state.
“The institution must combine its rich heritage with digital technology to become a centre for credible journalism, innovation, professional development and meaningful public engagement,” he said.
The Minister also welcomed the commissioning of the modern Government Printing Press, describing proper documentation and preservation of official records as critical to institutional memory and responsible governance.
“A government that does not preserve its records risks losing its history; a people who do not document their journey leave others to tell their story,” Idris stated.
He said the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation remained committed to rebuilding public trust in government communication, particularly as the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu implements reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Idris said government communication must go beyond simply announcing policies, stressing the need to explain decisions and remain responsive to citizens.
“Government must communicate its policies clearly and honestly, explain difficult decisions, acknowledge challenges and remain responsive to citizens,” he said.
He added: “Public trust cannot be commanded; it must be earned.”
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, Idris urged political actors, journalists and citizens to put Nigeria’s unity and stability above partisan, ethnic and sectional interests.
He called for responsible use of information platforms and greater commitment to accurate reporting as the country prepares for another election cycle.
The Minister said the renewed investment in information infrastructure in Cross River State demonstrated the importance of strengthening institutions capable of providing citizens with reliable information in an increasingly complex media environment.