Last updated: 1 November 2026
The Trumpet is a Nigerian national news publication owned and operated by Elomaz Communications Limited, with headquarters in Abuja (FCT) and regional offices in Lagos and Delta States. Our slogan is “Patriotic voice, speaking truth to the nation.” This policy explains the standards our journalists, editors and contributors follow, so readers know what to expect from us and how to hold us to account.
1. Our mission and values
Our mission is to be the voice of truth and the most reliable news medium in Nigeria and beyond. Everything we publish is guided by four principles: accuracy, balance, depth and objectivity. We serve readers in Nigeria, in the diaspora and around the world who want factual, useful news on politics, business, security, education, health, sports, entertainment, religion, technology, the environment and community affairs.
In an information space crowded with rumour and misinformation, we aim to report what is verified, say clearly what is not, and give readers the context they need to make their own judgements.
2. Editorial independence
- Editorial decisions are made by our editors, led by the Editor-in-Chief, on journalistic grounds alone.
- Owners, advertisers, sponsors, government officials, political parties and other interest groups do not decide what we cover or how we cover it.
- We do not accept payment, gifts or favours in exchange for publishing, changing, delaying or removing news content.
- We report on all political parties, candidates and office holders by the same standards, and we give the subjects of critical reports a fair chance to respond.
3. Ownership and funding
The Trumpet is owned by Elomaz Communications Limited, Plot 506 Oladipo Diya Street, Durumi, Abuja, FCT. We are funded mainly by advertising, including display advertising served by Google, and by sponsored content and other commercial services described on our Advert Rates page. Commercial teams have no say over news coverage.
4. Accuracy and verification
- We aim to get facts right before we publish, not after. Names, titles, figures, dates, quotes and locations are checked against primary sources wherever possible: official statements, documents, court records, on-the-record interviews and direct observation.
- We distinguish clearly between what we have confirmed and what is alleged, reported or claimed. Words such as “reportedly”, “allegedly” and “according to” are used deliberately, not as decoration.
- Where a story relies on information we could not independently confirm, we say so in the story.
- Figures such as exchange rates, prices and payment dates are reported with the date and source they apply to.
- We do not invent quotes, sources, figures or events, and we do not alter the meaning of a quote.
5. Sources and attribution
- We prefer named, on-the-record sources and tell readers who said what.
- We use anonymous sources only when the information is important, cannot be obtained on the record, and the source has a credible reason, such as risk to their safety or job, for not being named. At least one editor must know the identity of any anonymous source, and we tell readers why the source was not named.
- When we use material first reported by another news organisation, we credit and, where possible, link to it.
- We link to primary and authoritative sources where they help readers check our reporting.
6. Social media, viral content and breaking news
- Viral videos, posts and screenshots are treated as leads, not facts. Before reporting them we try to establish who posted them, when and where they were recorded, and whether they have been altered or shared out of context.
- If we report on viral content we have not been able to verify fully, we say what is known, what is not, and that the people involved have or have not responded.
- In fast-moving stories we publish what we can confirm and update the story as more information becomes available. Significant updates are marked in the story.
7. Fairness and right of reply
- People and organisations who are the subject of serious allegations in our reporting are given a reasonable opportunity to respond before publication, and their response is reported fairly.
- If someone declines to comment or cannot be reached, we say so. If they respond after publication, we update the story.
- Crime suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court. We report arrests, charges and court proceedings accurately and follow up on outcomes where possible.
8. Protecting vulnerable people
- We do not name or identify victims of sexual offences, and we take care not to publish details that could identify them indirectly.
- We take particular care when reporting on children. We do not identify children involved in crime, abuse or family disputes without strong public-interest justification and appropriate consent.
- We report on suicide, self-harm, violence and tragedy with restraint, avoid graphic detail that serves no public interest, and do not publish images of dead or seriously injured people except in rare, justified cases.
- We respect privacy. Intrusion into private lives must be justified by a clear public interest.
9. News, opinion and sponsored content
- News reports present facts and the views of the people involved. Reporters do not insert their personal opinions into news stories.
- Opinion, analysis and editorials are published in clearly labelled sections. The views of guest writers and columnists are their own and not necessarily those of The Trumpet. Our editorials represent the position of the publication.
- Sponsored content, advertorials and press releases published for a fee are clearly labelled so readers can tell them apart from independent journalism.
10. Headlines and summaries
Headlines, highlights and social media posts must accurately reflect the story. We do not use misleading or sensational headlines to attract clicks. Most of our stories open with a short Key Highlights summary so readers can grasp the main facts quickly.
11. Photos, graphics, maps and artificial intelligence
- Photographs must not be altered in ways that change their meaning. Routine adjustments such as cropping and colour balance are allowed.
- Archive images reused to illustrate a story are labelled as file photos where readers could otherwise be misled about when or where they were taken.
- Image descriptions (alt text) describe what is actually in the picture.
- Maps and information graphics produced by The Trumpet credit their data sources.
- Images created or substantially altered with artificial intelligence are clearly labelled as such. We do not use AI-generated images to depict real news events as if they were photographs.
- Journalists may use digital tools, including AI-assisted tools, for tasks such as transcription, translation, research and editing. A human journalist is responsible for every story we publish, and all facts are checked by our staff before publication.
- We credit photographers and image sources, and respect copyright.
12. Bylines and authorship
Stories carry the byline of the journalist or journalists who reported them, or “The Trumpet” for desk reports and compilations. Each regular contributor has a single author profile. Our editorial team is listed on our Masthead page.
13. Live trackers and service journalism
Our live trackers on payment schemes, student loans and recruitment exercises are updated as new official information is released. Each tracker shows the latest confirmed position, separates official announcements from unconfirmed reports, and warns readers about scams and unofficial portals. We never ask readers to pay to access an application, shortlist or payment.
14. Conflicts of interest
- Journalists must declare to their editor any personal, financial, family or political interest that could affect, or appear to affect, their reporting, and must not cover stories in which they have such an interest.
- Journalists do not accept money, “brown envelopes”, gifts of more than token value, or free travel that could influence coverage. Where travel or access is provided by an organisation we report on, we disclose it.
- Staff may not use information obtained through their work for personal gain.
15. Reader comments
We welcome debate in our comment sections. Comments that are abusive, hateful, defamatory, threatening, spam, or that incite violence or ethnic and religious hatred may be removed. Comments represent the views of their authors, not The Trumpet.
16. Corrections and complaints
When we get something wrong, we correct it promptly and transparently. Our full process is set out in our Corrections Policy. To report an error or make a complaint, email editor@thetrumpet.ng or eic@thetrumpet.ng, giving the link to the story and details of the error.
17. Legal and professional standards
Our journalists work within Nigerian law and are guided by the Code of Ethics for Nigerian Journalists. We take care to avoid defamation, contempt of court and breaches of privacy, and we seek legal advice where necessary.
18. Review of this policy
This policy is reviewed regularly by our editors and updated as our journalism and the media environment change. Questions about this policy can be sent to eic@thetrumpet.ng.
See also: Corrections Policy · Masthead · Privacy Policy · About Us · Contact Us
