NBC Plans AI Regulation to Protect Nigeria’s Media Industry

Beulah Godfrey

May 13, 2025
3 min read

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) plans to introduce new rules to control the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in Nigeria’s media space. The agency announced this move on Friday during a press conference in Lagos to launch AFRICAST 2025, Africa’s leading media technology summit.

NBC Director-General Charles Ebuebu said the new AI regulations aim to support innovation while protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s media sector. He warned that AI systems, which rely on raw data and algorithms, can make mistakes and lack human judgment.

NBC wants to control AI’s impact on media

AI tools can now create text, images, voices, and even video that look real but are computer-generated. This makes it easy to spread fake news and misleading content. Ebuebu said the NBC will introduce rules that help media companies use AI in a responsible way.

“We must understand AI’s limits and regulate it to prevent abuse,” Ebuebu said. He added that AI can grow and learn over time, so the commission must stay ahead of the changes.

In May 2025, TVC Communications made history by launching Nigeria’s first AI-powered news anchors. Since then, more Nigerian media firms have started exploring how to use AI to create content.

Ebuebu praised these developments but said the country must not ignore the risks. He believes clear rules will help AI improve the media industry instead of hurting it.

AFRICAST 2025 to focus on digital shift

The AFRICAST 2025 summit, themed “Navigating the Digital Shift: Building a Vigilant African Media Ecosystem,” will bring together experts to talk about AI, media technology, and digital growth in Africa.

Ebuebu said the event will help the industry find smart ways to grow with technology. He stressed that policy will play a key role in solving problems and helping businesses thrive.

Nigeria already leads in digital content and music across Africa. Ebuebu said the country must keep moving forward by adapting to new ways people consume content. “The world is digital, and our content must speak to that,” he said.

NBC will consult with tech experts, media firms, and other stakeholders before finalizing the new AI rules. Ebuebu promised that the process would be open and fair. “We will work together and face these challenges head-on,” he said.

With AFRICAST 2025 and NBC’s new AI policies, Nigeria is taking big steps to shape the future of media in Africa while protecting the public from AI misuse.