In a bold move to safeguard Nigeria’s media credibility and counter the rising tide of misinformation, the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) and the European Union (EU) have launched a strategic collaboration to train editors and media executives on fact-checking and combating disinformation.
The partnership kicks off with a one-day intensive training programme in Lagos on July 25, 2025, targeting 50 top editors from across print, broadcast, and digital platforms. The initiative underscores growing global concern about the corrosive impact of fake news on journalism, democratic stability, and public trust.
According to a joint statement signed by NGE President, Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, the training is designed to equip media leaders with the technical skills and editorial judgment required to detect and counter misinformation and disinformation, especially in Nigeria’s fast-evolving digital landscape.
“The spread of fake news and propaganda not only threatens the credibility of the media but also undermines the stability of our society,” the statement noted. “Editors must now be armed with sharper tools to separate facts from fiction and restore public confidence in the news.”
A Timely Intervention Amid Information Disorder
With Nigeria’s growing dependence on digital and social platforms for news consumption, unverified and misleading content has found fertile ground. The NGE said editors are increasingly confronted with complex scenarios requiring real-time judgment and advanced fact-checking capabilities.
The EU-supported workshop aims to bridge this capacity gap by focusing on:
- Understanding the principles of accuracy, fairness, and transparency
- Recognising and responding to misinformation and disinformation
- Using fact-checking tools and navigating complex editorial dilemmas
The programme will feature presentations from leading experts including Azu Ishiekwene, Executive Vice Chairman/Editor-in-Chief of LEADERSHIP Newspapers, and Dr. David Ajikobi, Executive Director of Africa Check, who will deliver masterclasses on editorial integrity and verifying public interest information.
Diplomatic Backing and Institutional Collaboration
EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, His Excellency Gautier Mignot, is scheduled to formally open the session, reaffirming the EU’s commitment to media freedom, institutional integrity, and democratic resilience in Nigeria and across West Africa.
The EU’s involvement also signals a broader strategy of investing in media development as a pillar of governance reform and civic education, especially ahead of major policy cycles and regional elections.
BRANDECONOMY INSIGHT: Fighting Disinformation Is Now an Economic & Governance Imperative
Beyond journalistic ethics, fake news is now a development risk. In a data-driven economy, misinformation can derail public health campaigns, disrupt financial markets, and deepen political polarisation. For brands, media institutions, and governments alike, trust is currency — and once lost, it is expensive to regain.
This initiative by the NGE and EU is more than a training—it is a call to action.
Nigeria’s media industry must now reposition itself not just as an information source, but as a critical infrastructure for national unity, informed policymaking, and civic accountability.
The Future of News Must Be Fact-First.
With stronger editorial gatekeeping, digital literacy, and proactive verification, Nigerian journalism can reclaim its role as a force for truth in a fragmented world.
