By Amaechi Nwosu
In Nigeria, journalism is increasingly becoming a perilous endeavor. Despite constitutional guarantees of press freedom, journalists often face harassment, arbitrary detention, and violence, especially when reporting on sensitive issues like corruption, governance, or civil unrest.
The environment for media professionals has deteriorated, with both state and non-state actors contributing to a climate of fear and censorship.
Legal Instruments as Tools of Repression
One of the most significant challenges to press freedom in Nigeria is the misuse of legal frameworks to suppress dissent.
The Cybercrime Act, enacted in 2015, has been frequently employed to target journalists. This law, intended to combat cyber threats, contains vague provisions that criminalize online expressions deemed offensive or threatening.
Since its implementation, at least 25 journalists have faced charges under this act, often for investigative reporting that exposes governmental malfeasance.
A notable example is the case of Daniel Ojukwu, a reporter for the Foundation for Investigative Journalism. In May 2024, Ojukwu was detained without charge for over a week after publishing a report alleging the misappropriation of government funds. His arrest sparked widespread condemnation from civil society organizations and highlighted the arbitrary application of the Cybercrime Act to stifle journalistic inquiry.
Physical Threats and Violence
Beyond legal challenges, Nigerian journalists are frequently subjected to physical attacks. During the #EndSARS protests and subsequent demonstrations against economic hardship, numerous reporters were assaulted by security forces and unidentified individuals. In August 2024 alone, at least 56 journalists were attacked while covering protests, with incidents ranging from beatings to equipment confiscation.
The International Federation of Journalists reported that on August 3, 2024, multiple journalists were brutalized across Nigeria while covering nationwide protests. These attacks underscore the hazardous conditions under which journalists operate, particularly when reporting on events that cast the government in a negative light.
Censorship and Media Suppression
Censorship remains a pervasive issue. The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has been criticized for imposing fines and sanctions on media outlets that air content deemed unfavorable to the government. In a recent instance, the NBC banned the broadcast of a song critical of President Bola Tinubu, citing violations of public decency. Such actions reflect a broader pattern of suppressing dissenting voices and limiting the public’s access to diverse perspectives.
Economic Pressures and Ownership Concerns
Economic instability and ownership structures further complicate the media landscape. Many media houses struggle financially, leading to poor remuneration for journalists and making them susceptible to external influences. Additionally, the concentration of media ownership among political elites raises concerns about editorial independence and the potential for biased reporting.
International Rankings and Advocacy
Nigeria’s press freedom status reflects these challenges. According to the 2024 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders, Nigeria ranks 112th out of 180 countries. This position underscores the systemic issues affecting journalistic freedom and safety in the country.
Advocacy groups continue to call for reforms. They urge the Nigerian government to amend repressive laws, ensure the safety of journalists, and uphold the constitutional right to free expression. Without such measures, the media’s role in fostering transparency and accountability remains under threat.
The plight of Nigerian journalists is emblematic of broader struggles for democratic freedoms in the country. Legal repression, physical violence, censorship, and economic hardships converge to create a hostile environment for the press. Addressing these issues requires concerted efforts from the government, civil society, and international partners to safeguard the rights of journalists and, by extension, the democratic fabric of Nigeria.
