The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) and the European Union (EU) have taken a decisive step towards addressing one of journalism’s most pressing challenges. Their joint resolve to establish fact-checking desks represents a critical intervention in an era where fake news, misinformation, and disinformation have fundamentally undermined public trust in media institutions. This collaborative initiative arrives at a moment when the credibility of news content faces unprecedented scrutiny, making such measures not merely advisable but absolutely essential for the survival of responsible journalism.
Fake news, misinformation and disinformation have evolved into global phenomena that transcend geographical boundaries and threaten the very foundations of informed democratic discourse. According to EU Ambassador Gautier Mignot, a staggering 85 percent of people worldwide express concern about disinformation’s impact on society, while 38 percent of EU citizens now perceive it as a direct threat to democratic institutions, based on findings from a 2024 European Parliament Report. These statistics underscore why the collaboration between Nigerian media professionals and the EU carries such profound significance and represents a matter of shared responsibility that demands immediate attention.
The digital revolution has fundamentally transformed how information circulates, creating an environment where traditional boundaries between established and emerging media platforms have become increasingly blurred. Social media platforms and digital channels have democratised information sharing while simultaneously creating fertile ground for the proliferation of false narratives. Consumers often struggle to distinguish between credible journalism and unverified content, leading to a crisis of confidence that affects the entire media ecosystem. This reality makes the partnership between the EU and NGE particularly timely and strategically important.
NGE President Eze Anaba articulated the gravity of the situation with remarkable clarity, emphasising that “the deliberate spread of false information, whether through disinformation, misinformation, or fabricated news, not only undermines public trust, but also threatens social cohesion, democratic governance, and national security.”
Ambassador Mignot reinforced this perspective by noting that misleading information, regardless of whether it stems from intentional deception or inadvertent error, poses serious threats to democratic governance and public trust. The ambassador emphasised that media professionals, particularly editors who serve as gatekeepers of information, face far-reaching implications when false narratives circulate unchecked. “Misleading information erodes not only the credibility of the message, but also that of the messenger and the institution,” Mignot observed, highlighting how the damage extends beyond individual stories to encompass entire media organisations and the journalism profession itself.
The ambassador’s call for rigorous fact-checking resonates with fundamental journalistic principles that have guided the profession for generations. His assertion that “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” serves as a reminder that accuracy must never be sacrificed for speed or sensationalism. This principle becomes especially crucial in today’s hypercompetitive media environment, where the pressure to break news first often conflicts with the imperative to verify information thoroughly.
The workshop organised jointly by the EU and NGE represented more than a simple discussion forum; it constituted a strategic planning session for combating one of journalism’s most persistent challenges. The gathering brought together media professionals, fact-checking experts, and international representatives to develop concrete strategies for sanitising the media landscape. The dominant theme centered on developing practical approaches to debunking misinformation while strengthening the infrastructure necessary to support systematic fact-checking.
The decision to establish fact-checking desks in every media house represents a significant institutional commitment that goes beyond mere rhetoric. This initiative should encompass comprehensive training programmes for newsroom managers and line editors, ensuring that fact-checking capabilities permeate every level of news production. The workshop participants also agreed to establish disinformation counter-groups across the guild’s zonal structures, creating a network of professionals specifically dedicated to combating false narratives in advance of the 2027 general elections.
Technology emerged as a crucial component of the fact-checking infrastructure, with participants recognising that modern verification techniques require sophisticated tools and specialised skills. The emphasis on acquiring advanced fact-checking technologies reflects an understanding that combating misinformation demands resources commensurate with the sophistication of those who create and disseminate false information.
The initiative also addressed the critical importance of staffing decisions, particularly regarding online editorial positions. The workshop participants acknowledged that experienced, well-grounded journalists must occupy these roles, given their outsised influence on digital content distribution. This recognition reflects an understanding that effective fact-checking requires not only technical skills but also the judgment and experience that come from years of professional journalism practice.
This NGE-EU collaboration builds upon earlier efforts by the Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN) to address public concerns about media practices through the establishment of an Ombudsman Desk. The continuity between these initiatives demonstrates a sustained commitment within Nigerian journalism to self-regulation and professional accountability.
The establishment of fact-checking infrastructure represents more than a defensive measure against misinformation; it constitutes an investment in the future credibility and relevance of Nigerian journalism. As media organisations worldwide grapple with declining public trust and increasing competition from unregulated digital platforms, those that demonstrate commitment to accuracy and verification will likely emerge with stronger relationships with their audiences and greater institutional credibility.