Purpose
TheNaijaWide is committed to publishing information that is accurate, properly attributed and responsibly presented.
This Fact-Checking Policy explains how our newsroom reviews claims before publication and how we handle information that cannot be fully verified.
Our Approach
Fact-checking is part of the editorial process.
The level of checking depends on the nature of the story. A routine public announcement may require confirmation from the issuing institution, while a serious allegation, financial claim or security report may require multiple sources and additional scrutiny.
We aim to verify the central claims of a story before publication.
What We Check
Depending on the report, we may check:
- Names and spellings
- Dates and times
- Locations
- Official titles and positions
- Direct quotations
- Financial figures
- Vote counts and election data
- Court decisions
- Criminal charges and convictions
- Statistics
- Images and videos
- Social-media accounts
- Whether a statement is current or historical
- Whether a headline accurately reflects the article
Source Priority
We generally give priority to primary sources, including:
- Official statements
- Court documents
- Government records
- Public databases
- Direct interviews
- Verified accounts of public institutions
- Original video or audio
- Official event records
Secondary sources may be used for background, comparison or confirmation.
Multiple-Source Verification
For sensitive or disputed claims, we aim to obtain confirmation from more than one credible source where possible.
However, some legitimate news may come from a single authoritative source, such as a court judgment, official agency statement or direct interview. In such cases, the source is identified clearly.
Official Sources
An official source is not automatically correct.
We may report official claims while making clear that they represent the position of the issuing body.
Where independent confirmation is unavailable, the article should not present the statement as unquestionable fact.
Social-Media Verification
Before relying on social-media content, we consider:
- Whether the account is authentic
- Whether the post is original
- Whether it has been edited
- Whether the date and location match the claim
- Whether the post is satire, parody or impersonation
- Whether another reliable source confirms the information
Screenshots alone are treated cautiously because they can be altered.
Images And Videos
We assess whether visual material is:
- Authentic
- Current
- Relevant to the event
- Properly attributed
- Free from misleading edits
- Lawful and ethical to publish
Where we cannot confirm a visual, we may exclude it or identify it as unverified.
Quotes
Direct quotations should match the source material.
We may compare quotations against:
- Full statements
- Video recordings
- Audio recordings
- Official transcripts
- Original posts
- Press releases
We avoid changing the meaning of a quotation through selective editing.
Numbers And Statistics
Figures should be checked against the original source where possible.
When different sources provide different numbers, the article should explain the difference rather than present one figure without context.
Allegations
Allegations are treated as allegations until proven.
We identify:
- Who made the claim
- Who the claim concerns
- Whether the accused party has responded
- Whether authorities are investigating
- Whether a court has ruled
- What remains unverified
We avoid language that implies guilt before a lawful determination.
Anonymous Sources
Anonymous sources may be used when:
- The information is in the public interest
- The source has direct knowledge
- Identification may create a genuine risk
- The information cannot reasonably be obtained on the record
- The editor is satisfied that the source is credible
Anonymous sourcing should not be used merely for convenience.
Where possible, information from an anonymous source is corroborated independently.
Research And Background
Background information should be drawn from reliable records and previous reporting.
Older reports are checked to ensure they have not been superseded by later developments.
Automated And Ai-Assisted Tools
Technology may help identify inconsistencies, compare documents, improve grammar or organise research.
AI-generated output is not treated as a source.
Any factual claim suggested by an automated tool must be checked against reliable evidence before publication.
Limitations
Not every fact can be independently verified immediately.
In fast-moving situations, we may publish what is known while clearly stating:
- What has been confirmed
- What remains uncertain
- Who is making the claim
- What verification is ongoing
We update the story when reliable new information becomes available.
Fact-Checking And Opinion
Opinion writers may express views, but factual statements within opinion content should still be accurate.
Analysis should distinguish evidence from interpretation.
Corrections
If a verified error is found after publication, we correct it promptly.
Significant corrections may include a note explaining:
- What was wrong
- What the correct information is
- When the change was made
Our Corrections Policy provides more detail.
Reader Contributions
Readers may report possible errors through our Contact page.
A useful fact-checking complaint should include:
- The article URL
- The disputed statement
- The reason it may be wrong
- Supporting documents or links, if available
We review credible submissions and make corrections where necessary.
Our Commitment
TheNaijaWide aims to reduce misinformation, not amplify it.
We are committed to improving our verification processes as our newsroom grows and to being transparent when information is uncertain or later changes.
Publisher: NaijaWide Media
Website: https://thenaijawide.ng