The growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) and algorithmic systems on public communication, information integrity and democratic discourse will take centre stage at the 26th edition of the NECCI PR Roundtable scheduled for October 30, 2026, in Lagos.
The annual forum, founded and convened by renowned public relations practitioner, Dr. Nkechi Ali-Balogun (fnipr), will bring together stakeholders from government, business, technology, academia, the media and the public relations industry to examine the opportunities and challenges posed by AI-driven communication.
The event, scheduled to hold at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, is themed: “Algorithmic Influence and Public Relations: AI, Information Integrity and the Ethics of Democratic Discourse in Nigeria.”
Ali-Balogun said the rapid advancement of AI had made discussions around information integrity and ethical communication more urgent, particularly as algorithmic systems increasingly influence what people read, believe and share.
She said: “We live in a rapidly changing world powered by AI, where a single algorithm can shape political narratives, fuel conspiracy theories and dictate what millions read, believe and share long before journalists or public relations professionals can intervene.”
According to her, AI is no longer a futuristic concept but a technology already reshaping public conversations through content curation, amplification of misinformation and the reinforcement of digital echo chambers.
She noted that the emergence of deepfakes, synthetic media and AI-generated content had created unprecedented challenges for communication professionals, requiring new strategies to protect credibility and public trust.
“The tools have changed. The speed has changed. The stakes have changed. And so must we,” she added.
Ali-Balogun explained that this year’s roundtable would use Nigeria as a case study to examine how global technological developments were affecting an emerging democracy with expanding digital access but declining public trust.
She said discussions would focus on practical approaches to balancing technological innovation with ethical responsibility while preserving accountability, transparency and credibility in public communication.
Participants are also expected to examine the roles of governments, businesses, technology companies, media organisations, public relations practitioners and citizens in safeguarding information integrity and promoting responsible digital communication.
The forum will also explore practical strategies that organisations and communication professionals can adopt to build resilient reputations and navigate an increasingly algorithm-driven information ecosystem.
Now in its 26th edition, the NECCI PR Roundtable has, over the past 25 years, provided a platform for strategic dialogue among policymakers, business leaders, academics, journalists and communication experts on issues shaping Nigeria’s communication landscape.
