Editorial Policy

Introduction

This Editorial Policy explains the standards that guide the work of TheNaijaWide, a digital news publication operated by NaijaWide Media.

Our editorial purpose is to publish accurate, timely, transparent and useful journalism. We aim to help readers understand important developments in Nigeria, Africa and the wider world.

This policy applies to news reports, explainers, interviews, analysis, opinion content, multimedia posts, live updates and other editorial material published on TheNaijaWide.ng.

Editorial Responsibility

TheNaijaWide is responsible for the content it publishes.

Every article is reviewed before publication. The level of review may depend on the urgency, sensitivity and complexity of the story, but publication does not remove the newsroom’s responsibility for accuracy, fairness and transparency.

Editorial decisions are made by the newsroom and are separate from advertising, sponsorship and commercial partnerships.

Story Selection

We select stories based on factors including:

• Public interest
• Relevance to Nigerian and African readers
• Timeliness
• Impact
• Credibility of available information
• Significance of the people, institutions or events involved
• The need to correct misinformation
• The value of providing context or explanation

We do not publish a story solely because it is trending. A trending claim must still meet our standards for sourcing, attribution and responsible presentation.

Accuracy

Accuracy is our first editorial obligation.

Before publication, we aim to confirm:

• Names and identities
• Dates and locations
• Titles and positions
• Direct quotations
• Numbers and financial figures
• The source of allegations
• The status of investigations or court matters
• Whether images, videos or social-media posts are authentic and relevant

When exact verification is not possible, we clearly state what is known, what is claimed and what remains unconfirmed.

Sources

We rely on a range of sources, which may include:

• Official statements
• Government agencies
• Court documents
• Public records
• Recognised institutions
• Direct interviews
• Verified social-media accounts
• Reputable news organisations
• Eyewitnesses
• Subject-matter experts
• Publicly available data

The reliability of a source is assessed according to the nature of the story.

We prefer primary sources whenever available. Secondary sources may be used for background, comparison or confirmation.

Attribution

Information that did not originate with TheNaijaWide is attributed where appropriate.

We aim to identify:

• The person or institution making a statement
• The document or report containing the information
• The original platform where a public statement appeared
• The news organisation that first reported a claim, where relevant

Attribution should be clear enough for readers to understand the origin of the information.

Allegations And Disputed Claims

Allegations are not presented as proven facts.

Where a person or organisation is accused of wrongdoing, we use language such as “alleged,” “reportedly,” “according to” or similar wording that reflects the status of the claim.

Where practical and relevant, we seek a response from the person or organisation concerned. If no response is available before publication, the story may state that TheNaijaWide has not independently verified the allegation or that a response was not immediately available.

Court And Crime Reporting

In crime and court reporting:

• A suspect is not described as guilty unless convicted
• Charges are clearly distinguished from convictions
• Court decisions are accurately described
• Sensitive personal details are handled carefully
• Victims of sexual violence are not identified without consent, except where lawful and clearly in the public interest
• Graphic details are limited to what is necessary for public understanding

Headlines

Headlines should be accurate, clear and supported by the article.

We may write strong, engaging headlines, but we do not intentionally mislead readers or exaggerate beyond the facts.

Where a headline concerns an allegation, the wording should reflect that the claim remains unproven.

Quotations

Direct quotations should accurately reflect what the speaker said.

We may correct obvious spelling errors in written statements without changing the meaning. We may shorten quotations for clarity, but we do not distort the speaker’s intent.

Where a quotation is translated, paraphrased or drawn from an edited recording, this should be handled carefully.

Updates

News develops over time.

We may update stories to include:

• New facts
• Official responses
• Corrected figures
• Court developments
• Additional context
• Follow-up statements
• Clarification of earlier information

The publication date and update date may both be displayed. Significant changes may be accompanied by a note.

Corrections

When a significant error is identified, we correct it as quickly as reasonably possible.

Our Corrections Policy explains how readers may report errors and how we handle corrections, clarifications and retractions.

Opinion And Analysis

Opinion and analysis content should be clearly labelled.

Opinion reflects the writer’s perspective and does not necessarily represent the institutional position of TheNaijaWide.

Analysis should be based on evidence, clearly distinguish interpretation from fact and avoid presenting speculation as certainty.

Sponsored And Commercial Content

Sponsored, paid or promotional content is labelled clearly.

Commercial relationships do not give advertisers the right to alter unrelated editorial coverage.

Paid links may carry appropriate attributes such as “sponsored” or “nofollow” in accordance with search-engine and advertising standards.

Conflicts Of Interest

Editors and contributors should disclose relevant conflicts of interest.

A person should not cover a subject in which they have a direct financial or personal interest without disclosure and editorial review.

Gifts And Payments

TheNaijaWide does not accept payment in exchange for favourable independent news coverage.

Reasonable hospitality or access may be accepted where necessary for reporting, but it should not influence editorial judgement.

Sensitive Content

We take care when reporting on:

• Death
• Violence
• Sexual misconduct
• Minors
• Mental health
• Medical conditions
• Private family matters
• Leaked personal material
• Graphic images or videos

We avoid unnecessary detail that may cause harm without adding public value.

Minors

Children and young people require special protection.

We avoid publishing identifying details about minors involved in sensitive stories unless there is a compelling public interest, lawful basis and responsible editorial justification.

Privacy

We balance the public’s right to know with the individual’s right to privacy.

Private information is published only when relevant, lawful and justified by the public interest.

Social Media And User-Generated Content

Social-media posts, videos and images are not automatically treated as verified.

We consider:

• Whether the account is authentic
• Whether the material is current
• Whether the location and date can be confirmed
• Whether the content has been edited or taken out of context
• Whether permission or attribution is required

User comments and community contributions may be moderated according to our community standards.

Artificial Intelligence

AI-assisted tools may support grammar, formatting, research assistance, headline development and workflow efficiency.

Human editors remain responsible for verification, judgement and publication.

Further details are available in our AI Usage Policy.

Archives

Older articles remain part of the public record.

We do not normally remove accurate historical reports because a person later finds them inconvenient. We may update, correct, anonymise or remove content where there is a strong legal, ethical or safety reason.

Takedown Requests

Requests to remove content are reviewed individually.

We consider:

• Accuracy
• Public interest
• Privacy
• Legal obligations
• Safety
• Whether correction or anonymisation is more appropriate than removal

TheNaijaWide does not guarantee removal simply because a person or organisation dislikes accurate reporting.

Political Independence

TheNaijaWide is not controlled by a political party.

We aim to report political actors fairly and to distinguish reporting from opinion.

Feedback And Complaints

Readers may report concerns through our Contact page.

Complaints should identify:

• The article
• The disputed statement
• The reason it is believed to be inaccurate or unfair
• Supporting evidence, where available

We review credible complaints and respond where appropriate.

Review Of This Policy

This policy may be updated as the newsroom grows, new technologies emerge and editorial standards evolve.

Publisher: NaijaWide Media

Website: https://thenaijawide.ng