The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has resolved to establish fact-check desks across various newsrooms to combat the spread of fake news, misinformation, and disinformation.
This resolution was reached at a one-day workshop held on Friday in Lagos, organized by the European Union (EU) in partnership with the NGE. T
he initiative aimed to strengthen the credibility of journalism in Nigeria and safeguard democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The editors agreed on several key resolutions to combat fake news, including setting up dedicated fact-check desks to verify news leads and publish only accurate, verified information, training newsroom managers and editors on fact-checking techniques.
The editors also resolved to establish disinformation counter groups in all NGE zonal structures, promoting collaboration among media organisations for cross-verification of information, ensuring experienced journalists occupy key editorial positions, especially online desks as well as leveraging NGE’s major platforms to spotlight fake news threats
In his remarks, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Gautier Mignot, warned that the global surge in misleading information posed a serious danger to democracy and public trust.
He emphasised that fact-checking was no longer optional, but critical to the survival of credible journalism.
Mignot cited a 2024 European Parliament Report, which found that 85 per cent of people globally were concerned about disinformation, and 38 per cent of EU citizens now see it as a threat to democracy.
On his part, the NGE President, Mr. Eze Anaba, echoed the urgency of tackling fake news, calling it a threat to social cohesion, national security, and public trust.
He emphasised the need for editors to prioritise truth and transparency in the face of a growing global infodemic.
Hensard Times reports that the workshop featured training sessions led by Azu Ishiekwene, Editor-in-Chief of Leadership Newspapers, and Dr. David Ajikobi, Executive Director of Africa Check.
The sessions covered topics ranging from the principles of accuracy and fairness in fact-checking to practical tools for verifying information.
The editors reaffirmed their commitment to a more reliable and ethical media environment, pledging to prioritize truth and transparency in the face of a growing global infodemic.
The establishment of fact-check desks and the implementation of the resolutions were expected to strengthen the credibility of journalism in Nigeria and promote a culture of truth and accuracy in reporting.
