The 26th edition of the NECCI PR Roundtable is bringing leading voices from government, business, technology, media, academia and the Public Relations industry to explore growing influence of algorithms and Artificial Intelligence (AI) on public communication, information integrity and democratic discourse in the country.

Themed, ‘Algorithmic influence and Public Relations: AI, information integrity and the ethics of democratic discourse in Nigeria,’ founder/convener NECCI PR Roundtable, Nkechi Ali-Balogun, noted rapid advancement of AI and its growing influence on public discourse have made conversations around information integrity and ethical communication more urgent than ever.

To her, “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, well before journalists or PR professionals can intervene. AI is no longer a mere idea; it is actively reshaping public conversations, campaigns and discourse by curating biased content, spreading disinformation and creating echo chambers.”

She added discussions would also revolve around the responsibilities of governments, businesses, technology companies, media organisations, public relations professionals and citizens in protecting information integrity in an increasingly digital society.

In addition, Ali-Balogun disclosed the roundtable would further investigate practical strategies that organisations and communication professionals can adopt to build resilient reputations and communicate responsibly within an increasingly algorithm-driven information environment.

Saying rise of deepfakes, synthetic media and the rapid spread of misinformation across digital platforms is testing the Public Relations profession in unprecedented ways, she noted, “the tools have changed. The speed has changed. The stakes have changed. And so must we.”

Ali-Balogun added the roundtable would use the nation as a case study to examine how these global challenges are playing out in an emerging democracy and financial ecosystem where digital access is expanding rapidly, even as public trust continues to erode.

In conclusion, she disclosed the roundtable would also provide stakeholders opportunity to examine practical approaches to navigating the opportunities and risks presented by AI, while maintaining professional ethics, accountability and credibility.

The event is scheduled to hold on October 30, 2026, at Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. The time is 10:00 a.m.