In a major move to curb fake news and restore trust in journalism, Nigerian editors under the umbrella of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) have resolved to set up Fact-Check Desks across media organisations nationwide.
The resolution was adopted during a one-day workshop in Lagos on Friday, organised by the European Union (EU) in partnership with the NGE. The initiative seeks to enhance media credibility and protect democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The editors agreed that these desks will help verify news leads before publication and ensure accurate, evidence-based reporting. Additional commitments include:
Training newsroom managers and editors on fact-checking techniques.
Establishing disinformation response units in all NGE zones.
Encouraging cross-verification of stories among media houses.
Ensuring experienced journalists manage editorial desks, particularly digital platforms.
Using NGE platforms to highlight the dangers of misinformation.
EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Gautier Mignot, stressed the urgency of the move, warning that disinformation is a growing global threat.
“The European Union is actively working to combat disinformation and promote media literacy. Editors remain the last gatekeepers; their role is critical in ensuring credible content,” Mignot said.
He referenced an EU Parliament report revealing that 85% of people worldwide are worried about disinformation, with 38% in the EU viewing it as a major democratic threat.
NGE President, Mr. Eze Anaba, described fake news as a danger to national security and public trust. He urged editors to uphold ethics and truthfulness in reporting.
The workshop also featured practical sessions led by Azu Ishiekwene, Editor-in-Chief of Leadership Newspapers, and Dr. David Ajikobi of Africa Check, focusing on accuracy, fairness, and fact-checking tools.
The editors pledged to strengthen transparency and reliability, positioning traditional media as a trusted source amid the global surge of misinformation.
