On the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Lagos Council has called for more effective policies to protect journalists Nigeria.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Nation Newspaper Journalism Foundation, NUJ Lagos Council Vice Chairman, Mr. Philip Nwosu, emphasized the importance of safeguarding journalists who risk their safety to deliver essential news, particularly in conflict zones and areas of political unrest.
Representing the NUJ Lagos Council Chairman, Mr. Adeleye Ajayi, Nwosu addressed the unique threats journalists face in high-risk environments. He stressed the frequent absence of adequate safety protocols, legal protections, and accountability measures to prosecute attacks on journalists.
“The safety of journalists in crises and emergencies is not just a concern for media houses; it’s a human rights issue, a public interest matter, and a pillar of a healthy society,” Nwosu remarked. “When journalists are attacked, harassed, or detained for reporting facts, it isn’t only their lives that are threatened—it is the public’s right to know, to make informed decisions, and to hold power accountable.”
The NUJ Lagos Council cited UNESCO findings, noting that only a fraction of cases involving violence against journalists lead to convictions, creating an environment of fear and impunity. The council warned that this lack of accountability encourages further attacks on press freedom and urged government bodies, media organizations, and civil society to implement stronger protections and allocate resources for journalists operating in hazardous conditions.
In closing, the NUJ Lagos Council reaffirmed its commitment to fighting impunity for crimes against journalists, calling for a concerted effort to create a safer environment for those reporting under challenging circumstances. “Let us ensure that those who dare to tell the world’s most challenging stories are protected, and that perpetrators face justice,” the council stated. The NUJ expressed hope that this day would inspire renewed global dedication to press freedom and to building a society where truth and accountability are preserved, even in the face of adversity.
