Nigerian editors under the auspices of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) have resolved to establish fact-check desks across their various newsrooms in a coordinated push to combat the spread of fake news, misinformation, and disinformation.

This resolution was reached at a one-day workshop held in Lagos on Friday, organised by the European Union (EU) in partnership with the NGE. The initiative is aimed at strengthening the credibility of journalism in Nigeria and safeguarding democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The editors agreed that setting up dedicated Fact-Check Desks would empower media houses to verify news leads and publish only accurate, verified information. In addition, the Guild resolved to: Train newsroom managers and editors on fact-checking techniques; Establish disinformation counter groups in all NGE zonal structures; Promote collaboration among media organisations for cross-verification of information; Ensure experienced journalists occupy key editorial positions, especially online desks; Leverage NGE’s major platforms to spotlight fake news threats.

Speaking at the event, EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr Gautier Mignot, warned that the global surge in misleading information poses a serious danger to democracy and public trust. He emphasised that fact-checking is no longer optional, but critical to the survival of credible journalism.

“The European Union is actively working to combat disinformation and promote media literacy, with fact-checking playing a crucial role in these efforts.

“Our choice of collaborating with the Nigerian Guild of Editors on this programme is part and parcel of this general effort.

“We recognise the critical role of editors as the last line in the gatekeeping process. The editor is ultimately responsible for what is pushed into the public space as content,” Mignot said.

He cited a 2024 European Parliament Report, which found that 85% of people globally are concerned about disinformation, and 38% of EU citizens now see it as a threat to democracy.

Mignot added that Nigeria’s challenges are unique, referencing a 2020 Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) report that highlighted how disinformation fuels ethnic and religious divisions. He noted that modern technology now enables the rapid and convincing spread of both false and true content, across multiple formats.

Despite the challenges, Mignot stressed that this moment presents an opportunity for traditional media to reclaim public trust.

“Media must remain reliable, they must be fact-checkers and make sure in particular that the research for the scoop does not beat the research for the truth,” he cautioned.

NGE President, Mr Eze Anaba, in his welcome address, echoed the urgency of tackling fake news, calling it a threat to social cohesion, national security, and public trust.

“It is our hope that through informed discussions and shared insights, we will strengthen our capacities to identify, counter, and prevent the spread of false narratives,” Anaba said.

The workshop also featured training sessions led by Azu Ishiekwene, Editor-in-Chief of Leadership Newspapers, and Dr David Ajikobi, Executive Director of Africa Check, who treated 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 prioritise truth and transparency in the face of a growing global infodemic.

( Arise News)