SERAP and NGE call on Nigerian authorities to halt media suppression and amend restrictive laws threatening press freedom nationwide.
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE) have jointly called on Nigerian authorities to end the rising suppression of press freedom.
Marking International Human Rights Day, the organisations issued a statement urging the government to repeal repressive laws and uphold constitutional guarantees for freedom of expression.
Also read: Media Freedom Under Siege: SERAP and NGE raise concerns over violations in Nigeria
Signed by Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP Deputy Director, and Dr Iyobosa Uwugiaren, NGE Secretary, the statement highlighted the misuse of laws such as the Cybercrimes Act and National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) codes to target journalists and critics.
“The escalating crackdown on media freedom and disregard for the rule of law threaten Nigeria’s democratic principles,” the statement read.
SERAP and NGE emphasised that despite 25 years of uninterrupted democracy, Nigeria continues to grapple with a legacy of media censorship.
They condemned the increasing use of malicious prosecutions, unlawful detentions, and restrictive legislation to stifle dissent.
“The rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and media independence are enshrined in Nigeria’s Constitution and international treaties.
Yet, these rights are being eroded by impunity and state-sponsored harassment,” the statement said.
Recent reports paint a dire picture of media oppression in Nigeria:
- 110 Verified Attacks in 2024: According to the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), the number of attacks on journalists between January and September 2024 has already exceeded 2023 figures.
- 70% of Harassment by Politicians and Police: The Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) identified state actors as primary perpetrators, particularly during elections and protests.
Documented incidents include the harassment and arrest of journalists covering protests, police raids on media houses, and violent attacks against journalists in transit.
Calls for Reform
SERAP and NGE outlined comprehensive recommendations to address media suppression:
- Legislative Revisions: Review and amend restrictive laws, including the Cybercrimes Act, in line with international human rights standards.
- Independent Regulation: Strengthen the independence of bodies like the NBC and Nigerian Press Council.
- Judicial Accountability: Investigate and prosecute perpetrators of media harassment and compensate victims.
- Government Action: President Bola Tinubu and state governors must publicly commit to protecting media freedom and uphold court judgments promoting press independence.
- International Pressure: Encourage global actors to hold Nigeria accountable for human rights violations and support a free media landscape.
“An independent and vibrant press is essential to any democratic society,” the statement concluded.
“Nigeria must prioritise press freedom to strengthen democracy and uphold its international obligations.”
