Maritime journalists urged to embrace AI, uphold ethics

Lagos, Oct.  2026 (TBL Africa) Mr Sesan Onileimo, Chairman, Maritime Media and Capacity Development Centre, has urged maritime journalists to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve reporting while upholding accuracy, ethics and professionalism.

Onileimo made the call on Saturday in Lagos at an executive training on AI for maritime journalists organised by the centre, the capacity development arm of First Mediacon Network Ltd.

He said that AI was transforming news gathering, processing, verification and dissemination, providing opportunities for journalists to improve efficiency and strengthen investigative reporting.

He, however, warned that AI could generate inaccurate information and misleading content, stressing the need for independent verification before publication.

“AI is just a tool. It is not a replacement for the journalist or journalism,” he said.

Onileimo said AI could assist maritime journalists with research, transcription, translation, data analysis.

He said that  it also assist in areas of multimedia production, particularly in reporting on shipping, port operations, logistics and international trade.

He said that  AI could also assist in multimedia production, particularly in reporting shipping, port operations, logistics and international trade.

He added that the technology could help journalists analyse industry data, including cargo throughput, vessel turnaround time and operational costs, to produce more analytical and evidence-based reports.

The chairman cautioned against AI-generated misinformation, deepfakes, plagiarism, copyright infringement and data privacy violations.

He urged journalists to authenticate images, audio recordings and videos and avoid uploading confidential documents or sensitive information about their sources to AI platforms.

“AI must serve journalism; it must never replace our conscience, independence or responsibility to the public.

“Remember, whatever you put out in the public domain carries your byline,” he said.

Onileimo called for collaboration among media organisations, professional associations, training institutions and corporate bodies to equip journalists with the skills needed to adapt to emerging technologies.

He said the training was part of the Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives of First Mediacon Network Ltd.

He thanked Mr Emmanuel Maiguwa, Chief Executive Officer of Brooks Training Institute, for providing the training venue free of charge.

Onileimo also commended the participants for investing in their professional development and urged more corporate organisations in the maritime industry to support capacity-building initiatives.

He expressed confidence that the programme would promote a technologically equipped, ethically responsible and competitive maritime media community.

He said the training was expected to precede the 2026 edition of the Annual Seminar for Maritime Journalists.

He added that the centre was unveiled at the 10th anniversary of the seminar in December 2025.