THE INTERNATIONAL Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria will focus on the growing threat artificial intelligence (AI) poses to media integrity and examine ways newsrooms can deploy AI-powered verification tools to combat misinformation at its 2026 conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM).
The two-day conference, themed: “Truth Under Pressure: Journalism, AI and Information Integrity,” is scheduled for December 2 and 3, 2026, at the Bolton White Hotel, Wuse Zone 7, Abuja.
The organisation said the conference would bring together policymakers, media executives, journalists, subject-matter experts and media freedom advocates to examine emerging challenges facing the Nigerian media, including AI-driven disinformation, press freedom, journalists’ safety and the integrity of information.
In a statement jointly signed by IPI Nigeria Deputy President, Fidelis Mbah, and Secretary, Ahmed Shekarau, the organisation said participants would particularly examine the growing use of AI-generated deepfakes and other forms of synthetic media and their potential to undermine public confidence in journalism.
The issue is expected to receive particular attention as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, when the rapid spread of manipulated or fabricated content could pose additional challenges to journalists, voters and the wider information ecosystem.
IPI Nigeria President, Musikilu Mojeed, said the conference would also explore practical ways journalists could use AI-powered tools, alongside transparent verification processes, to improve the accuracy and integrity of news reports.
“The gathering,” according to the statement, will provide an opportunity to assess the state of media freedom and journalists’ safety in Nigeria, while also examining policy and legal reforms required to strengthen independent journalism.
Mojeed said the conference would further promote constructive engagement between the media and government on issues of transparency and accountability, as well as facilitate the exchange of global perspectives and best practices for protecting press freedom and advancing responsible journalism.
A key component of the conference will be discussions on strengthening cooperation between the media and security agencies, against the backdrop of concerns about journalists’ safety and the broader operating environment for the Nigerian press.
The organisers said the event would provide a platform for deliberations on critical national and industry issues, with the broader objective of advancing free, independent and responsible journalism in Nigeria.
The conference will also feature the induction of new members into IPI Nigeria. The organisation said the induction would expand its network and reinforce its commitment to defending press freedom and promoting responsible journalism.
The second day of the event, December 3, will be dedicated to the IPI Nigeria AGM, which will be restricted to members of the organisation.
During the AGM, members are expected 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 operating across more than 100 countries. For more than seven decades, the organisation has promoted and defended press freedom and independent journalism worldwide.
