Nigeria journalists trained on economic reporting and ethics

A two‑day training program organized by the Premium Times Training Academy, with support from the Central Bank of Nigeria, equipped 25 journalists with the skills needed to produce accurate, data‑driven, and impactful stories about the country’s economy and financial landscape. Held in Abuja, the workshop aimed to enhance journalists’ ability to interpret key economic indicators, access and verify open‑source economic data, and uphold high ethical standards in their reporting.

Facilitators—industry professionals and experts—emphasized the importance of responsible economic reporting, especially in the context of Nigeria’s upcoming 2027 general elections. They warned that poor coverage of monetary policy can trigger panic, distort public expectations, and destabilize the economy. Participants were urged to distinguish between core and food inflation, understand monetary tools, and consider the impact of excess liquidity on inflation.

The training also addressed the dangers of incomplete reporting and selective narratives, which can fuel panic, distort public perception, and weaken confidence in the economy. Journalists were advised to provide full context, dig for comprehensive data, and seek expert explanations when covering Central Bank reforms and economic policy.

A key focus was the importance of fact‑checking in navigating Nigeria’s complex information environment. Attendees were cautioned about a growing misinformation ecosystem that includes manipulated videos, impersonated sources, and politically driven disinformation, all of which can mislead the public and distort national discourse.

Overall, the program reinforced the significance of accurate, ethical, and context‑rich reporting in shaping public understanding and confidence in Nigeria’s economy. Journalists were charged with applying ethical principles, interpreting key economic indicators, and producing stories that inform, educate, and responsibly influence public discourse, thereby contributing to a more stable and resilient economy and a better future for Nigeria.