WestNG Editorial Policy
Last updated: September 2026
Our Editorial Commitment
WestNG is an independent Nigerian digital news publication focused primarily on developments across South-West Nigeria, while also covering major national and international stories that are relevant to our readers.
Our journalism is guided by a simple principle: readers deserve accurate, fair, independent and responsibly reported information.
We recognise that trust is earned through consistent editorial practice. Every report we publish carries a responsibility to the public, to the people and institutions we cover, and to the wider journalism profession.
WestNG is a member of the South West Group of Online Publishers (SWEGOP) and recognises the importance of professional standards, ethical journalism and self-regulation within Nigeria’s digital media industry.
This Editorial Policy explains the standards and principles that guide our newsroom, reporters, editors and contributors.
1. Accuracy Comes First
Accuracy is the foundation of WestNG’s journalism.
We make reasonable efforts to ensure that information published on our platforms is factual, properly attributed and presented in its correct context.
Before publication, we seek to verify important details including:
Names and titles
Dates and locations
Figures and statistics
Official positions and statements
Quotations
Claims made by individuals or organisations
Photographs and other visual material
Information obtained from social media
Information contained in documents and public records
We do not knowingly publish false information.
Where information cannot be independently verified, we will make that limitation clear to readers rather than presenting an unverified claim as established fact.
Accuracy takes precedence over speed.
2. Verification of News
WestNG understands that digital journalism operates in an environment where information can spread rapidly before it has been properly verified.
A claim appearing on social media, messaging platforms or another website does not automatically make it true.
Depending on the nature and significance of a story, our verification process may include:
Consulting official sources
Contacting the person, organisation or institution concerned
Checking government or institutional records
Reviewing documents
Comparing information from multiple credible sources
Speaking with witnesses or relevant experts
Examining photographs, videos or other available evidence
Checking the original source of information circulating online
The level of verification required will depend on the seriousness, sensitivity and potential consequences of the report.
The more consequential a claim is, the greater the care required before publication.
3. Sources and Attribution
WestNG believes readers should, wherever reasonably possible, know where important information originated.
We identify sources clearly and accurately.
Information obtained from government agencies, courts, police authorities, companies, institutions, public officials, individuals or other media organisations will be attributed appropriately.
We distinguish between:
What we know: information supported by credible evidence or reliable sources.
What someone claims: an allegation, assertion or position attributed to the person or organisation making it.
What we do not yet know: information that remains unverified, disputed or unavailable.
We will not deliberately disguise the origin of information or present another organisation’s reporting as our own original reporting.
When WestNG relies substantially on another news organisation’s report, we will make the source clear and, where appropriate, seek additional information or independent confirmation.
4. Anonymous and Confidential Sources
WestNG may use anonymous or confidential sources when there is a legitimate public-interest reason to protect the source’s identity.
Anonymity is not granted simply because a source does not want to be identified.
Before publishing information from an anonymous source, editors will consider:
The reliability and knowledge of the source
Whether the source has direct knowledge of the matter
Whether the information can be independently corroborated
The public interest involved
The potential harm that could result from publication
Whether the information can be obtained through an attributable source
Anonymous sourcing will be used sparingly, particularly for serious allegations.
Where anonymity is necessary, readers will be given as much information as reasonably possible about the source’s relevance to the story without compromising the source’s identity.
5. Breaking News
WestNG recognises the importance of speed in digital journalism, particularly when reporting emergencies, elections, security incidents, major government decisions and other developing events.
However, being first is not more important than being right.
In breaking situations, an initial report may contain limited information. When necessary, we will clearly identify a story as developing and update it as credible information becomes available.
We will correct or amend an early report when subsequent verified information establishes that an earlier detail was inaccurate.
We will not knowingly publish rumours simply because they are trending.
6. Fairness and the Right of Reply
WestNG strives to report fairly and give relevant parties an opportunity to respond to serious allegations or criticism.
When a report contains significant allegations against an individual, company, public institution or organisation, we will make reasonable efforts to seek a response from the subject before publication where circumstances permit.
Where a response is not immediately available, we may publish the report if there is sufficient public interest and a reasonable basis for doing so, while making clear that the subject’s response was unavailable or had not been received at the time of publication.
If a response is subsequently received and materially affects the story, we may update the article or publish a follow-up report.
A failure to respond should not automatically be presented as an admission of wrongdoing.
7. Allegations and the Presumption of Innocence
WestNG distinguishes clearly between an allegation and an established fact.
A person accused of a crime is not described as guilty unless guilt has been established through due legal process.
In reports involving arrests, investigations, accusations or criminal proceedings, we will use appropriate language such as:
“alleged”
“according to police”
“prosecutors said”
“the suspect was accused of”
“the court heard”
“the defendant pleaded not guilty”
We will accurately report the status of legal proceedings and avoid language that prejudges a case.
Where a court has convicted a person, we will report the conviction accurately. Where an appeal or subsequent legal development changes the position, we will make reasonable efforts to report that development.
8. Court Reporting
WestNG considers court reporting an important component of public-interest journalism.
Court reports will distinguish between:
Allegations made by a prosecution
Arguments made by defence counsel
Evidence presented before a court
Judicial findings
Orders and rulings
Convictions and sentences
Claims that have not yet been established
We will not deliberately distort court proceedings or present an allegation contained in a court filing as a judicial finding.
Where practical, important details such as the court, judge, case status and relevant parties will be identified accurately.
9. Corrections and Updates
We believe correcting an error is a sign of responsible journalism, not weakness.
If WestNG discovers that an article contains a material factual error, we will review the information and correct it as appropriate.
Corrections may involve:
Correcting a name, date, figure or quotation
Updating information that has subsequently changed
Removing an inaccurate statement
Adding relevant clarification
Publishing a correction where the error is significant
We will not knowingly leave a material factual error online simply because the original article has already been published.
Where an article has been materially updated, the article may include an update or correction note so readers understand that the information has changed.
Minor spelling, punctuation or formatting changes that do not affect the meaning of an article may be corrected without a formal correction notice.
10. Headlines
Headlines are part of journalism and must meet the same basic standards of accuracy as the articles they introduce.
WestNG aims to produce headlines that are:
Accurate
Clear
Informative
Relevant to the story
Appropriate for the subject matter
We do not intentionally use misleading headlines, fabricated quotations, false implications or sensational claims merely to attract clicks.
Search-engine optimisation does not override editorial accuracy.
A headline may be compelling without being deceptive.
11. Clickbait and Sensationalism
WestNG recognises the commercial pressures facing digital journalism but does not consider misleading readers an acceptable way to generate traffic.
We will avoid:
Fabricated claims
Deliberately deceptive headlines
False urgency
Misleading thumbnails
Fake quotations
Headlines that materially misrepresent the article
Sensational treatment of tragedies without legitimate editorial justification
We aim to attract readers because our journalism is useful and credible, not because readers have been misled into clicking.
12. Originality, Plagiarism and Attribution
WestNG respects the intellectual work of journalists, publications, photographers, researchers and other content creators.
We do not knowingly present another person’s reporting, writing, photographs, investigation or analysis as our own.
When information from another publication contributes substantially to a report, the source should be appropriately acknowledged.
Direct quotations must be accurately attributed.
Our reporters and contributors are expected to produce original work and to distinguish clearly between original reporting, sourced information, analysis and commentary.
13. Artificial Intelligence and Editorial Technology
WestNG recognises that artificial intelligence and other digital technologies are increasingly used in journalism.
AI tools may assist with appropriate newsroom tasks such as:
Research assistance
Transcription
Translation
Summarisation
Organisation of information
Headline brainstorming
Editing and language improvement
Data or document analysis
Other administrative or production tasks
However, AI-generated information is not automatically considered factual.
WestNG will not knowingly publish fabricated quotations, invented sources, fictional events or unverified claims generated by an artificial intelligence system.
Human editorial judgment remains responsible for published journalism.
Where AI-assisted material is used, it remains subject to the same requirements for verification, accuracy, attribution, fairness and editorial review as other material.
AI does not replace reporting.
14. Social Media and User-Generated Information
Social media is an important source of news leads, eyewitness information, public statements and breaking developments.
However, social-media content is not automatically treated as verified information.
Before relying on material circulating online, we may consider:
Whether the account is authentic
Whether the person has direct knowledge of the event
When and where the material was produced
Whether photographs or videos have been reused or taken out of context
Whether independent sources support the claim
Whether the content has been manipulated
A viral post is a lead, not necessarily a fact.
15. Photographs, Videos and Illustrations
WestNG aims to use photographs, videos and illustrations responsibly.
Visual material must not be presented in a manner that deliberately creates a false impression.
Where an image is illustrative rather than an actual photograph of the reported event, we will make that distinction clear where necessary.
We do not deliberately manipulate photographs or videos in ways that materially alter their meaning.
Basic editorial adjustments such as cropping, resizing or improving legibility may be used where appropriate, provided they do not mislead readers.
16. Privacy and Personal Information
WestNG recognises that people have legitimate expectations of privacy.
The fact that information is available online does not automatically mean that publishing it is justified.
Before publishing personal information, we will consider:
The public interest
The relevance of the information to the story
The potential harm to the individual
Whether the person is a public figure
Whether the information is already lawfully and widely available
Whether publication is necessary to understand the story
We exercise particular care when reporting on children, victims of abuse, vulnerable persons and people experiencing traumatic circumstances.
Personal information that is irrelevant to the public interest should not be published merely because it is available.
17. Reporting on Children and Vulnerable People
Children and vulnerable people require particular editorial care.
WestNG will avoid unnecessarily identifying children who are victims of crime, abuse or other circumstances where publication could expose them to additional harm.
We will consider the consequences of publishing names, photographs, locations, schools, family details or other identifying information.
Public interest will be carefully weighed against potential harm.
18. Crime, Violence and Tragedies
WestNG reports crime, insecurity, accidents, disasters and other tragedies when they are matters of legitimate public interest.
However, we seek to avoid unnecessary sensationalism.
We will not publish graphic or disturbing material merely to attract attention.
Where disturbing imagery or descriptions are editorially necessary, we will consider appropriate warnings and context.
Victims should be treated with dignity, and their families’ privacy should be considered where circumstances permit.
19. Political and Election Coverage
WestNG is committed to fair and factual political journalism.
We do not consider our role to be that of a political party, campaign organisation or partisan advocacy platform.
Political reporting should distinguish between:
Verified facts
Statements by political actors
Campaign promises
Political opinions
Allegations
Editorial analysis
During elections, we will take particular care with results, polling information, allegations of electoral malpractice, official announcements and claims circulating on social media.
Election-related claims should be verified before publication wherever reasonably possible.
No political party, candidate, government official or political interest should receive preferential editorial treatment because of advertising, financial relationships or personal influence.
20. Editorial Independence
WestNG’s editorial decisions should remain independent of commercial, political or personal interests.
Advertisers, sponsors, government officials, political actors, businesses and other external interests must not determine whether WestNG publishes a legitimate news story or how factual information is presented.
Editorial coverage will not be offered for sale.
Commercial relationships must not be allowed to compromise the accuracy or independence of our journalism.
21. Advertising and Sponsored Content
WestNG distinguishes editorial content from advertising and other commercial communications.
Paid, sponsored or promotional material should not be presented in a manner deliberately designed to deceive readers into believing that it is independent editorial reporting.
Where applicable, sponsored or commercial content will be identified appropriately.
Advertisers do not receive editorial control over independently reported news stories.
A company or organisation’s status as an advertiser does not exempt it from legitimate journalistic scrutiny.
22. Conflicts of Interest
Journalists, editors and contributors should avoid personal, financial, political or professional relationships that could compromise—or reasonably appear to compromise—their editorial independence.
Potential conflicts should be disclosed to the appropriate editorial authority.
Where a conflict cannot reasonably be managed, the journalist may be removed from the assignment.
WestNG’s editorial credibility must take precedence over personal relationships or financial interests.
23. Gifts, Payments and Inducements
Journalists should not accept gifts, payments or other benefits intended to influence editorial coverage.
News sources, public officials, businesses, political actors and organisations should not be allowed to purchase favourable coverage through gifts, hospitality or other inducements.
Reasonable participation in legitimate professional events does not automatically constitute a conflict, but journalists should exercise sound judgment and disclose significant concerns to their editor.
The central question should always be whether the benefit could influence—or appear to influence—the journalism.
24. Public Interest
WestNG’s journalism serves the public interest.
Public interest may include matters relating to:
Government accountability
Public spending
Security
Justice
Elections
Education
Healthcare
Infrastructure
The economy
Environment
Public institutions
Community development
Corruption and abuse of public office
Matters affecting the rights, safety or welfare of citizens
Public interest is not the same as public curiosity.
The fact that information may attract attention does not, by itself, justify publication.
25. Investigative and Accountability Journalism
WestNG is committed to journalism that examines issues of legitimate public concern and holds institutions and individuals in positions of public responsibility accountable.
Investigative reporting may involve:
Public records
Court documents
Government documents
Procurement information
Official data
Interviews
On-the-record statements
Documentary evidence
Multiple-source verification
Serious investigative claims require a high standard of verification.
Where allegations could significantly affect a person’s reputation or an organisation’s standing, WestNG will make reasonable efforts to contact the relevant subject and include their response.
The purpose of investigative journalism is not to manufacture controversy. It is to uncover information that the public has a legitimate interest in knowing.
26. Use of Official Statements
Official statements from government agencies, police commands, political organisations, companies and other institutions can be important sources of news.
However, publication of an official statement does not necessarily mean WestNG independently endorses every claim contained in it.
Where appropriate, we will attribute claims directly to the issuing organisation.
Official status does not make an assertion immune from scrutiny or verification.
27. Opinions, Analysis and Commentary
WestNG distinguishes news reporting from opinion and commentary.
News reports should focus primarily on verified information and attributed statements.
Opinion articles and analysis may contain interpretation or argument, but the distinction between factual claims and opinion should remain clear.
Commentators are responsible for their opinions, while WestNG remains responsible for ensuring that published material meets appropriate editorial standards.
28. Language and Dignity
WestNG seeks to use language that is accurate, professional and respectful.
We avoid unnecessary language that demeans individuals or groups based on characteristics unrelated to the story.
We do not deliberately promote hatred, discrimination or violence.
Where offensive language is essential to accurately report a significant event, quotation or public statement, it should be used only where editorially justified and with appropriate context.
29. User Comments and Audience Contributions
Readers may provide information, opinions, photographs, videos or other material to WestNG.
Such contributions may be useful but are not automatically verified simply because they were submitted to us.
Material provided by readers may be checked before publication.
WestNG may reject, edit or remove material that is defamatory, fraudulent, abusive, threatening, deliberately misleading or otherwise inconsistent with our editorial standards.
30. Corrections, Complaints and Reader Feedback
We welcome legitimate feedback from readers.
A reader who believes that a WestNG report contains a factual error, misleading statement or significant omission may contact the editorial team.
Correction requests should, where possible, identify:
The article concerned
The specific error
The correct information
Evidence supporting the requested correction
Any relevant source or document
All credible complaints will be considered on their merits.
A complaint does not automatically mean that an article is wrong. WestNG will independently review the relevant material before deciding whether a correction, clarification, update or other editorial action is appropriate.
31. Accountability
WestNG accepts responsibility for the journalism it publishes.
Our commitment to editorial accountability means that:
We do not knowingly fabricate news.
We do not knowingly publish false information.
We correct significant errors when identified.
We distinguish allegations from established facts.
We seek responses to serious allegations where reasonably possible.
We attribute information appropriately.
We respect legitimate privacy interests.
We maintain a distinction between editorial content and advertising.
We recognise that editorial independence is essential to public trust.
Where our journalism falls short of these standards, we will seek to identify the problem and correct it.
32. Editorial Policy Review
This policy is reviewed periodically to reflect developments in journalism, digital publishing, technology, law, audience expectations and professional practice.
Changes may be made when necessary to strengthen WestNG’s editorial standards and accountability.
The date at the top of this page indicates the most recent substantive review or update.
Our Promise to Readers
WestNG understands that trust cannot be demanded. It must be earned.
Our commitment is therefore to pursue journalism that is accurate, fair, independent, transparent and relevant to the public interest.
We will continue to improve our reporting, verification processes and editorial standards as our newsroom develops.
For us, responsible journalism means asking difficult questions, checking important facts, giving people a fair opportunity to respond, correcting mistakes and putting the reader’s right to reliable information ahead of the pursuit of clicks.
WestNG — Reporting the stories that matter.