The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has expressed concern over the growing misuse of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to produce deepfake videos that falsely depict public officials in compromising situations.
Speaking on Friday during a courtesy visit by the President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Alhaji Alhassan Yahaya, Idris stressed the need to address the manipulation of digital content without infringing on free speech. His remarks were shared in a statement by his media aide, Mr. Rabiu Ibrahim.
“We are witnessing the double-edged nature of AI. While it has immense potential for good, it can also be weaponized. Someone can be seated here, and elsewhere a video could surface showing that same person, digitally altered, in a completely misleading context,” Idris said.
He noted that such videos have been used to distort statements made by government officials, including the President, thereby misleading the public and damaging reputations.
“These deepfakes don’t just affect individuals—they traumatize families and destroy public trust,” he added.
Idris revealed that the Federal Government is working with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to improve digital accountability while protecting freedom of expression.
“We’re not alone in this. The global community is coming together to tackle the challenge. UNESCO, in particular, is leading the charge,” he noted.
UNESCO, he said, has compiled input from over 100 countries and 10,000 contributors to develop comprehensive guidelines for digital content creators aimed at preserving the integrity of online information.
The Minister urged the NUJ to actively participate in combating misinformation and upholding journalistic standards.
“We take the threats of fake news and misinformation seriously. We urge the NUJ to collaborate with us in rooting out quackery in the media and encouraging both professional and citizen journalists to share only verified information,” Idris said.
He also informed the NUJ about the establishment of a Category 2 Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Institute in Nigeria, approved by UNESCO. This first-of-its-kind global institute will train journalists, students, and the public in digital literacy, responsible content creation, and combating fake news.
Congratulating the NUJ on its 70th anniversary, Idris reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s strong commitment to press freedom, describing it as essential to the growth of democracy in Nigeria.
In his response, NUJ President Alhaji Alhassan Yahaya praised President Tinubu for appointing a media professional to head the Information Ministry. He pledged the union’s support in amplifying the administration’s achievements and briefed the Minister on upcoming activities to celebrate the NUJ’s 70th anniversary, during which the Minister will serve as Chief Host.