Correction Policy

akwaibomtimes.ng

At Akwa Ibom Times, accuracy is the foundation of our journalism. We are committed to publishing factual, verified, and balanced reports. When errors occur, we correct them promptly, transparently, and responsibly.

Our correction process reflects our dedication to accountability, credibility, and public trust.

1. Our Commitment to Accuracy

Before publication, our stories undergo:

Fact-checking and source verification
Editorial review
Legal and ethical compliance checks (where necessary)

Despite these safeguards, errors may occasionally occur. When they do, we take immediate steps to correct them in a transparent manner.

2. How to Report an Error

We encourage readers, sources, and stakeholders to notify us of possible inaccuracies.

Please include the following in your report:

The headline of the article
The URL/link to the story
A clear explanation of the alleged error
Supporting evidence or documentation (where applicable)

Reports can be sent to:

Email: corrections@akwaibomtimes.ng
Editorial Desk: editor@akwaibomtimes.ng
Social Media: Official akwaibomtimes.ng platforms

Anonymous complaints may be reviewed but must include verifiable evidence.

3. Types of Corrections

To ensure transparency, akwaibomtimes.ng uses the following correction standards:

a) Minor Corrections

Examples:

Spelling mistakes
Typographical errors
Formatting issues
Minor factual clarifications that do not alter the story’s meaning

These may be corrected without a formal editor’s note.

b) Substantive Corrections

Examples:

Incorrect names, titles, dates, statistics
Misquotes or inaccurate attributions
Errors that materially affect the meaning of the story

These will include a Correction Note at the bottom of the article explaining:

What was incorrect
The corrected information
The date of the update

c) Clarifications

If a story is factually correct but potentially misleading or unclear, we may add a clarification note to improve accuracy and context.

d) Retractions

In rare circumstances where a story is fundamentally flawed, defamatory, fabricated, or legally problematic, we may retract it.

Retractions will:

Be clearly labelled as a “Retraction”
Remain accessible for transparency (unless legal obligations require removal)
Include an explanation for the action taken

4. Correction Timeline

Acknowledgement of complaint: Within 24–48 hours
Preliminary review: Within 3 working days
Final decision and action: As soon as verification is complete

Complex cases requiring legal consultation may take longer.

5. Editorial Independence

Corrections are made based solely on verified facts — not political pressure, commercial interests, or personal influence.

Akwa Ibom Times maintains strict editorial independence in line with professional journalism standards and Nigerian media ethics guidelines.

6. Complaints Not Subject to Correction

We do not consider the following as correction requests:

Disagreement with editorial opinion
Requests to remove publicly available and verified information
Complaints lacking credible evidence
Attempts to suppress factual reporting

However, we remain open to dialogue and constructive engagement.

7. Continuous Improvement

We regularly review our editorial processes to strengthen accuracy and public trust. Reader feedback plays an important role in improving our journalism.