Our Commitment to Accuracy

Accuracy is fundamental to our journalism. We strive to get facts right the first time, but when we make mistakes, we correct them quickly, clearly, and transparently. As our motto states: “Conscience, Nurtured by Truth.”

Types of Corrections

Correction: Used when we have published factually incorrect information. Corrections are made for errors of fact.

Clarification: Used when our reporting was incomplete, unclear, or could be misinterpreted, even if not technically inaccurate.

Update: Used when new information becomes available that changes the context or understanding of a story.

Editor’s Note: Used to explain significant changes to a story or to provide additional context about our reporting process.

When We Issue Corrections

We issue corrections for:

• Factual errors (names, dates, numbers, quotes, locations, etc.)
• Misattributed quotes or information
• Incorrect descriptions of events or policies
• Mathematical or statistical errors
• Misleading headlines or captions

We do not issue corrections for:

• Differences of opinion or interpretation
• Complaints about story selection or prominence
• Subjects unhappy with accurate reporting
• Typos or minor grammatical errors that don’t affect meaning (these are simply fixed)

How to Request a Correction

If you believe we have published incorrect information:

1. Contact us:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +234 803 056 7059
• Mail: The Guardian, Rutam House, Plot 103/109, Apapa-Oshodi Express Way, Isolo, P.M.B 1217 Oshodi, Lagos, Nigeria
• Online: Use our Contact Us form at guardian.ng

1. Be specific: Identify the article, the error, and the correct information
2. Provide evidence: Include sources or documentation supporting the correction
3. Include contact information: So we can follow up if needed

Our Review Process

When a correction is requested:

1. The relevant editor reviews the claim immediately
2. We verify the information through original sources and documentation
3. If the error is confirmed, we prepare a correction
4. Senior editors approve all corrections
5. The correction is published promptly

Timeline: We aim to investigate and respond to correction requests within 24-48 hours and publish verified corrections within 24 hours of confirmation.

How We Publish Corrections

Online:

• Corrections appear at the top of the corrected article
• The correction clearly states what was wrong and what is correct
• The correction includes the date it was published
• Original language may be preserved with strikethrough to show what changed
• Correction appears as: “Correction [Date]: An earlier version of this story…”

Print:

• Corrections appear in a dedicated Corrections section on the back page, blue “corrections strip” of printed edition.
• The correction references the original article date and page
• Significant corrections may also run in the section where the error appeared

Social Media:

• We correct or delete social media posts containing errors
• For significant errors, we post a clear correction with a link to the corrected article

Archives:

• Online archives are corrected, with notation of the correction
• We do not remove archived content except in extraordinary circumstances

Significant Errors

For significant errors that materially affect the story:

• We publish a prominent correction at the top of the story
• We may republish the story with corrections highlighted
• An editor’s note may explain the error and our correction process
• In rare cases, we may retract the entire story

Learning from Mistakes

We view corrections as opportunities to improve:

• We analyze correction patterns to identify systemic issues
• We provide additional training when needed
• We update our style guide and reporting guidelines
• We share lessons learned across the newsroom