Automotive journalists across Nigeria have been urged to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) as an essential tool for modern reporting in the evolving age of smart cars and intelligent mobility. This call was made during the 2025 Annual Training and Capacity Building Workshop of the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA), held in Lagos, in partnership with Jetour Mobility Services.
The event, themed “AI Automotive Reporting: Smart Cars, Smart Stories,” brought together leading motoring editors, technology experts, and media practitioners to discuss how AI can revolutionize automotive journalism by enhancing storytelling, accuracy, and efficiency.
Speaking at the workshop, NAJA Chairman Theodore Opara emphasized that AI has moved from futuristic speculation to daily reality, transforming how cars are designed, built, and experienced. According to him, it is only natural that the same transformation should extend to how automotive stories are researched, written, and presented to the public.
“AI is no longer a futuristic concept but an everyday reality transforming how cars are designed, built, and experienced — and how stories about them are told,” Opara stated.
He noted that the integration of AI into journalism would help reporters analyze complex data, monitor automobile performance trends, and provide in-depth insight into innovations such as autonomous vehicles, electric mobility, and connected car systems.
Henry Ojelu, a senior automotive writer with Vanguard Newspapers, urged journalists to see AI not as a threat but as a powerful ally.
“AI isn’t here to take jobs away — it’s here to make the job easier. With proper use, AI tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Gemini can help reporters gather data, fact-check faster, and craft richer stories,” he said.
During a live demonstration, Wale Olajumoke of Tech365 showcased practical applications of AI tools in real-time reporting, such as generating analytical insights, creating multimedia stories, and verifying online data to combat misinformation.
Participants agreed that in an era dominated by smart mobility, digital transformation, and tech-driven innovations, automotive journalists must evolve or risk being left behind. The discussions highlighted that AI-driven journalism not only enhances storytelling but also promotes accuracy, creativity, and engagement with increasingly tech-savvy audiences.
However, experts also cautioned that while AI can make journalism faster and more efficient, human oversight remains crucial to ensure ethical reporting, context, and credibility. They stressed the importance of continuous training and editorial responsibility to avoid overreliance on machine-generated content.
The workshop concluded with a joint resolution by NAJA and its partners to initiate ongoing AI literacy programs for automotive journalists across Nigeria, aimed at equipping them with the technical knowledge and digital tools required to thrive in the fast-changing global auto industry.