Introduction

This ethics policy guides all Guardian journalists and establishes the standards of behavior expected of our staff. These principles protect our credibility, independence, and the trust our readers place in us.

As an independent newspaper established in 1983, The Guardian owes allegiance to no political party, ethnic community, religious or other interest group. Our primary commitment is to the integrity and sovereignty of the Federation of Nigeria.

Core Ethical Principles

Truth and Accuracy

We are committed to reporting the truth and presenting balanced coverage of events. We verify information before publication and correct errors promptly and transparently. We clearly distinguish news from opinion and analysis. As our motto states: “Conscience, Nurtured by Truth.”

Independence

Our journalism is independent of commercial and political interests. We maintain editorial independence from advertisers and sponsors, and we resist pressure from subjects of our reporting. We owe allegiance to no political party or interest group.

Fairness and Impartiality

We seek and represent diverse perspectives while presenting balanced coverage of events. We give subjects of critical reporting an opportunity to respond, and we acknowledge when our reporting may be incomplete. We distinguish between reporting facts and expressing opinions.

Integrity

We do not plagiarize or fabricate information. We attribute information to sources appropriately, honor our commitments to sources, and uphold justice and probity in public life.

Conflicts of Interest

Financial Conflicts

Staff must avoid financial conflicts that could compromise, or appear to compromise, editorial independence. This means no reporting on companies in which you or immediate family have financial interests, and no trading stocks based on non-public information obtained through reporting. Staff must disclose any financial interests that could be relevant to their coverage. We do not accept gifts or benefits from sources or subjects of coverage valued over ₦10,000 or $50.

Political Activity

Staff should not hold office in political organizations or participate in political campaigns or demonstrations they may be asked to cover. Staff may vote but should not publicly declare political affiliations. The Guardian owes allegiance to no political party. Opinion columnists have more latitude but must disclose relevant affiliations.

Personal Relationships

Staff must disclose personal relationships that could affect their reporting. Do not cover close friends, family members, or romantic partners. Inform editors of potential conflicts before accepting assignments.

Outside Work and Speaking

Staff may engage in outside work that doesn’t conflict with Guardian responsibilities, but should seek approval before accepting paid speaking engagements or consulting work. Do not speak publicly on behalf of organizations you cover. Teaching and academic work is generally permitted with disclosure.

Social Media Conduct

Professional Standards

The same ethical standards that apply to your work apply to your social media presence. Avoid posting anything that could compromise your credibility or the Guardian’s reputation. If you cover politics or policy, do not express partisan political views. Be thoughtful about what you share, like, or retweet.

Transparency and Engagement

Clearly identify yourself as a Guardian journalist and disclose when you’re reporting or seeking information via social media. Do not use fake accounts or disguise your identity without authorization. Engage respectfully with readers and sources, correct your own errors promptly, and do not engage in hostile arguments that reflect poorly on the Guardian. Report harassment or threats to editors and appropriate authorities.

Reporting Practices

Source Relationships

We are honest with sources about how information will be used, and we honor promises of confidentiality. We do not pay sources for news information except in rare, disclosed circumstances, and we do not promise sources approval of stories before publication.

Anonymous Sources

We use anonymous sources only when necessary for important stories. Anonymous sources must have direct knowledge of the information, and at least one editor must know the identity of anonymous sources. We clearly explain why anonymity was granted and independently verify information from anonymous sources when possible.

Undercover Reporting

We generally identify ourselves as journalists. Undercover methods require approval from senior editors and are used only when the story is of significant public interest and information cannot be obtained otherwise.

Vulnerable Sources

We take special care when reporting on children, trauma survivors, and other vulnerable people. We ensure vulnerable sources understand how their information will be used and consider potential harm before publishing.

Use of AI and Technology

We disclose when AI tools assist in content creation or analysis. AI-generated content must be reviewed and verified by journalists. We do not use AI to fabricate quotes, sources, or events. Automated reporting tools must meet the same accuracy standards as traditional reporting.

Photojournalism and Multimedia Ethics

We do not alter photos in ways that mislead. Basic adjustments such as brightness, contrast, and cropping are acceptable, but content-changing manipulation is prohibited. We clearly label photo illustrations and composites, and video footage should not be edited to mislead.

Plagiarism and Attribution

Plagiarism is grounds for immediate dismissal. We attribute information to other news organizations when appropriate and use quotation marks for direct quotes from other publications. We add original reporting when covering others’ stories.

Accountability

Enforcement

Violations of this ethics policy may result in discipline up to and including termination. Serious violations will be addressed immediately. The editor-in-chief has final authority on ethics matters.

Training and Guidance

All staff receive ethics training upon hire and regular refreshers. We discuss ethical dilemmas in regular editorial meetings, and staff are encouraged to consult editors when facing ethical questions. Staff should consult editors when facing ethical dilemmas – “when in doubt, ask” is our principle. Ethics questions can be directed to the managing editor or editor-in-chief.