Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been hailed as a transformative force across industries. In journalism, AI promises speed, accuracy, and efficiency—automating transcription, enhancing fact-checking, and even generating news reports. Yet, despite its visibility, a striking paradox remains: AI adoption in journalism practice is still low despite high awareness.
A recent MuckRack global survey paints the picture clearly: while 28% of journalists already use generative AI tools and another 20% are open to experimenting, a significant 31% remain uninterested. Interestingly, those who use AI tend to keep it behind the curtain—for brainstorming, proofreading, and background research—rather than in producing final, reader-facing content.
In Nigeria, the story is no different. Journalists are aware of AI’s possibilities but face persistent roadblocks that keep adoption minimal.
Table of Contents
The Barriers Holding Nigerian Newsrooms Back
Financial Costs
AI adoption is not cheap. Many media houses in Nigeria already struggle with dwindling revenues, so paying for AI infrastructure or subscriptions feels like a luxury. For editors fighting to keep newsrooms afloat, investing in AI tools is often low on the priority list.
Weak Infrastructure
The technical foundation for AI remains shaky in Nigeria. Power outages, unreliable internet, and outdated newsroom equipment limit how effectively journalists can integrate digital tools. Even when willing, many simply don’t have the infrastructure to sustain continuous AI use.
Limited Skills and Knowledge Gap
Awareness is not the same as expertise. While journalists may know about AI, few possess the technical skills to apply it effectively. The lack of structured AI training programmes for reporters, editors, and even IT teams means newsrooms cannot unlock the full benefits.
Regulatory Uncertainty
Perhaps the most significant barrier is the absence of clear laws. Nigeria does not yet have a comprehensive AI policy or legal framework. Without regulation, concerns about ethical use, misinformation, copyright issues, and transparency discourage large-scale adoption. Policymakers continue to debate frameworks, but practical guidelines for newsrooms remain unclear.
Promising Steps Towards AI-Driven Journalism
Despite the challenges, there are encouraging signs that Nigeria’s media industry is moving in the right direction.
Training Initiatives
Several organisations are equipping journalists with digital and AI skills. For example, workshops and fellowships led by government agencies, NGOs, and universities have begun to focus on fact-checking, data-driven reporting, and responsible AI use. These programmes are slowly bridging the skills gap.
Push for Ethical Guidelines
During the 2025 World Press Freedom Day event in Abuja, the government called for ethical guidelines on AI in the media. The proposals include transparency in AI-generated content, labelling to avoid misleading readers, and mechanisms to hold newsrooms accountable. This is a vital step in building public trust.
Collaborative Efforts
Data-sharing platforms are emerging. Initiatives like Dataphyte, which converts public data into accessible insights, and dialogues hosted by the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), promote collaboration among journalists, technologists, and policymakers. These collective efforts aim to build an ecosystem where AI can be applied meaningfully.
Global Influence on Local Practice
Nigeria’s media industry is increasingly plugged into global conversations about AI. International partnerships and knowledge exchanges expose Nigerian journalists to best practices and ethical frameworks, encouraging local adaptation.
Bridging the Gap: From Awareness to Practical Adoption
If Nigerian journalism is to move beyond awareness into active AI use, several steps are crucial:
- Investing in Skills Training: Beyond general awareness, targeted fellowships and newsroom-based training must equip journalists to apply AI responsibly and effectively.
- Affordable and Accessible Tools: Media houses can begin with simple, cost-effective AI solutions such as transcription apps, grammar tools, and fact-checking platforms before moving into advanced AI-driven analytics.
- Clear Legal and Ethical Oversight: Policymakers need to create comprehensive AI laws tailored to Nigeria’s realities, including transparency requirements and safeguards for press freedom.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: AI adoption should not be left to IT teams alone. Editorial staff, managers, and technical experts must work together to shape how AI is integrated.
- Preserving Core Journalism Values: AI must remain a tool—not a replacement for journalists. Integrity, ethics, and investigative judgment must continue to guide newsroom practices, ensuring AI supports rather than undermines public trust.
Conclusion
AI is already reshaping journalism globally, but Nigeria risks being left behind if adoption continues to lag. While awareness levels are high, the actual use of AI tools in local newsrooms remains minimal due to financial, infrastructural, skill-related, and regulatory hurdles.
The good news? These challenges are not insurmountable. With deliberate investment in training, affordable technologies, and ethical frameworks, Nigerian journalism can gradually shift from mere awareness to impactful adoption.
Ultimately, the question is not whether AI will enter the Nigerian newsroom—it already has. The real challenge is whether the country’s media can harness it responsibly, ethically, and effectively to strengthen journalism in the digital age.
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