Abuja: The Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Malam Ali M. Ali, has called on the agency’s editorial staff members to leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools for enhanced productivity. He made the call during his last quarterly meeting with the agency’s employees on Wednesday in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Ali described AI tools as game-changers, highlighting their potential to boost productivity by automating tasks, saving time, and increasing accuracy by minimizing human errors. He emphasized that AI enhances decision-making by quickly analyzing vast amounts of data and fosters innovation by enabling new products and services.
Ali urged the staff to integrate AI tools into their editorial work and emphasized the importance of updating their knowledge on AI. He stressed the duty of every editorial staff member to protect work tools like computers to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
Ali also announced plans to embark on staff training on AI tools in the newsroom in the first quarter of 2026. He mentioned that the agency would hold its second annual lecture in the first quarter of 2026, which was postponed in 2025 due to funding issues. Notable guests, including President John Mahama of Ghana and Dr. Sidi Tah, the President of the African Development Bank, are expected to attend.
He revealed plans for recruitment of new employees in all departments in 2026, emphasizing that the process would be merit-based. He assured that qualified, competent individuals would be employed, and casual staff, already well-trained, would transition smoothly.
Ali noted the need for more nurses and stated that investments in health would be made through sporting activities. Reflecting on achievements in 2025, he mentioned the upgrade of the NAN studio to world standards and the renovation of many zonal offices. Efforts are being made to improve conditions of service and employee welfare.
The NAN boss expressed gratitude to all staff members for their cooperation in achieving these milestones.