By Joke Kujenya
THE NIGERIA Union of Journalists (NUJ) is celebrating its 70th anniversary, marking seven decades of unwavering commitment to press freedom, journalist rights, and ethical reporting.
Established on 15 March 1955, the NUJ has played a pivotal role in holding power to account and amplifying the voices of the people.
Speaking on this historic milestone, NUJ President Comrade Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi expressed profound gratitude to journalists nationwide for their dedication and perseverance.
“Your commitment to truth, accountability, and ethical journalism remains the backbone of democracy. As we celebrate 70 years of excellence, we must reaffirm our resolve to safeguard press freedom and uphold the highest journalistic standards,” he stated.
The event also saw reflections on the NUJ’s legacy, with former National Secretary Shu’aibu Usman Leman paying tribute to the resilience of journalists who have faced threats and violence in the pursuit of truth.
“Every act of intimidation, harassment, or violence against journalists is an attack on democracy itself. We must continue to demand justice for our fallen colleagues and reinforce protections for those in the field,” Leman asserted.
He stressed the significance of honouring journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty, emphasising that their sacrifices should not be in vain.
“The silence surrounding these injustices emboldens those who seek to suppress the truth. We stand in solidarity with the families of the fallen and commend the fortitude of survivors who continue their crucial work despite adversity,” he added.
As the NUJ embarks on its next chapter, the call for greater safety measures, accountability, and press freedom protections remains urgent. The union’s 70-year journey serves as a testament to the power of fearless journalism and the enduring fight for a just, informed society.
Timelines of notable events were also listed to further express gratitude to the organisations and people involved.
The Punch Newspaper Ban: In 1994, the military government of General Sani Abacha took decisive action against The Punch newspaper, one of Nigeria’s leading independent newspapers, by shutting down its operations. The publication had been a persistent critic of Abacha’s authoritarian rule, exposing human rights violations and corruption within the military regime. The government’s assault on The Punch was part of a broader crackdown on the free press, aimed at silencing dissenting voices and curbing the flow of critical information to the public. The closure of the newspaper, along with the arrests and harassment of its journalists, underscored the extent of state repression during the Abacha era.
Kunle Ajibade’s Incarceration: The News magazine remained a thorn in the flesh of Nigeria’s military rulers, leading to the arrest and imprisonment of one of its founding editors, Kunle Ajibade, in 1995. He was sentenced to life imprisonment on trumped-up charges of being an “accessory” to a coup plot against the Abacha regime. The baseless accusations were widely condemned by press freedom advocates and international human rights organizations. Ajibade’s ordeal symbolized the extreme lengths to which the government would go to suppress the media. After spending several years behind bars under harsh conditions, he was released in 1998 following Abacha’s death.
The Killing of Bagauda Kaltho: The mysterious disappearance and subsequent death of journalist Bagauda Kaltho remains one of the most chilling instances of press repression in Nigeria. A reporter for The News magazine, Kaltho went missing in 1996, and years later, the Abacha government claimed he had been involved in a bomb explosion at Durbar Hotel in Kaduna. However, evidence suggested he had been a victim of state-sponsored extrajudicial killing, aimed at silencing his investigative work. His death remains unresolved, highlighting the culture of impunity surrounding crimes against journalists in Nigeria.
The Return of Democratic Rule and Continued Suppression: With Nigeria’s transition to civilian rule in 1999, expectations were high that press freedom would improve. However, the reality has been more complex. While democratic governance brought relative improvements, journalists continued to face harassment, arbitrary arrests, and physical attacks, particularly when reporting on government corruption, human rights violations, or security issues.
Cases of journalists being attacked by security forces – detained without trial, or even killed have persisted into the 21st century. The use of outdated laws such as the Cybercrime Act and the law on criminal defamation has been weaponized against media practitioners. The rise of digital journalism and social media has also introduced new challenges, with authorities increasingly targeting online journalists and bloggers.
The Role of NUJ in Advocating for Press Freedom: The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has remained at the forefront of the struggle for press freedom, advocating for policy reforms, legal protections, and the safety of journalists. It has repeatedly condemned acts of impunity and has worked alongside international media organizations to push for greater accountability. However, its efforts are often met with resistance from powerful state actors and influential private entities who seek to control the narrative and suppress critical reporting.
The NUJ continues to call for the enactment of stronger press protection laws – the repeal of draconian legislation that stifles media freedom, and an end to the harassment of journalists. In a climate where press freedom remains under threat, the union’s role is more vital than ever in ensuring that journalists can operate without fear of reprisal.
Despite the persistent challenges, Nigerian journalists have continued to uphold the principles of free speech and democracy. It was also noted that their resilience in the face of adversity has become the proof to the enduring power of the press as a watchdog of society. However, for genuine progress to be made, the government must take concrete steps to guarantee the safety of journalists, end impunity for crimes against them, and foster an environment where the media can thrive without fear.
Lanre Arogundade: A prominent Nigerian journalist and media rights advocate, Lanre Arogundade has been at the forefront of press freedom campaigns in Nigeria. As a former president of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and director of the International Press Centre (IPC), he has consistently pushed for media rights, journalists’ safety, and democratic accountability. His advocacy work has made him a target of state repression, as he has faced intimidation and harassment due to his efforts to protect press freedom and uphold the rights of journalists in Nigeria (2003–present).
Dele Giwa: Dele Giwa, the co-founder and editor-in-chief of Newswatch magazine, remains one of the most tragic symbols of press repression in Nigeria. He was assassinated via a parcel bomb on October 19, 1986, after publishing investigative reports critical of the government. His murder, which remains unresolved, underscores the high stakes of investigative journalism in Nigeria and the dangers faced by journalists who challenge the status quo. His death catalyzed greater awareness of press freedom and the risks involved in investigative reporting.
Enenche Akogwu: Enenche Akogwu, a journalist working with Channels Television, was shot dead while covering the Boko Haram insurgency in Kano in 2012. He was one of the many Nigerian journalists who have been caught in the crossfire while reporting from conflict zones. His death highlights the severe risks faced by journalists working in crisis-prone regions, where press freedom is often threatened by both state and non-state actors.
Precious Owolabi: Precious Owolabi, a journalist with Channels Television and a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, was tragically killed by a stray bullet during a protest in Abuja in 2019. His death shed light on the vulnerabilities of young journalists and media practitioners working in volatile environments, emphasizing the need for greater safety measures and protection for journalists covering protests and civil unrest.
Samuel Ogundipe: Samuel Ogundipe, a journalist with the online newspaper Premium Times, was arrested in 2018 for refusing to reveal his sources in a report detailing a controversial security memo. His arrest sparked widespread outrage and condemnation from press freedom advocates, reinforcing the ongoing struggle against government intimidation and the suppression of investigative journalism in Nigeria.
Jones Abiri: Jones Abiri, publisher of the Weekly Source newspaper, was arrested and detained by Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) for over two years without trial. His arrest in 2016, followed by prolonged incarceration, was widely criticized by press freedom organizations. His case highlighted the alarming use of state security agencies to silence journalists and suppress critical reporting.
Till date, the Nigerian press continues to face numerous challenges, including government censorship, harassment, threats, and violence against journalists. Despite constitutional guarantees of press freedom, journalists often encounter legal and extralegal measures designed to suppress dissent and independent reporting. The rise of digital media has provided new opportunities for investigative journalism, but it has also introduced new threats, including cyber harassment, surveillance, and the use of cybercrime laws to target journalists.
To safeguard press freedom in Nigeria, there is a pressing need for stronger legal protections, enhanced security measures for journalists, and greater advocacy efforts from civil society organizations. Also, protecting press freedom is not just about defending journalists—it is about preserving democracy, human rights, and the right of the public to access information without fear or restriction.
Diverse statements issued also hinged on Press Freedom and the Challenges of Journalism in Nigeria, noting that the landscape of journalism in Nigeria remains fraught with danger, as evidenced by numerous cases of harassment, unlawful detention, and even murder of journalists over the years. Yet, the resilience of media professionals in the face of these challenges underscores the critical role they play in holding power to account and keeping the public informed.
Also, despite Nigeria’s constitutional guarantees of freedom of the press, journalists continue to face intimidation from various quarters, including government agencies, security forces, and non-state actors.
The cases documented in this report highlight the need for continued advocacy for press freedom and journalist safety, namely:
Systematic Threats and Censorship
Many of the arrests, detentions, and attacks on journalists stem from investigative reports that expose corruption, misgovernance, or security failures. The Cybercrime Act of 2015 and other ambiguous laws have been used as tools of repression to silence critical voices. Reports of unlawful detentions and the use of trumped-up charges against journalists indicate a pattern of state suppression that contradicts democratic principles.
Role of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ)
The NUJ remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting journalists and advocating for press freedom. Efforts by the union, alongside civil society organizations, have played a pivotal role in securing the release of detained journalists and in seeking justice for those who have suffered violence. However, more needs to be done to ensure that perpetrators of violence against journalists are held accountable.
International Calls for Action
The international community, including organizations like the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Reporters Without Borders, and Amnesty International, has repeatedly called on the Nigerian government to uphold its obligations to protect press freedom. These organizations have documented numerous violations and continue to pressure authorities to implement reforms that ensure the safety of journalists.
Legislative Reforms and Policy Recommendations
▪️To guarantee the protection of journalists and strengthen press freedom, the following measures should be considered:
▪️Review and Reform of Laws: The Nigerian government should amend laws that are frequently used to criminalize journalism, such as the Cybercrime Act and defamation laws.
▪️Strengthened Legal Protections: Journalists should be afforded greater legal protection against arbitrary arrests, harassment, and intimidation.
▪️Accountability for Perpetrators: Law enforcement agencies must thoroughly investigate attacks on journalists and bring perpetrators to justice.
▪️Safety Training and Resources: Media organizations and journalist unions should invest in safety training and emergency response mechanisms to protect journalists working in high-risk environments.
▪️Improved Working Conditions: Many journalists operate under poor working conditions, making them more vulnerable to threats and exploitation. Better salaries, job security, and insurance should be provided to safeguard their well-being.
▪️Media Literacy and Public Awareness: A more informed public can play a role in protecting journalists by understanding the importance of press freedom and standing against acts of repression.
▪️Upholding the Legacy of Press Freedom
With the cases presented in this report illustrate the severe and ongoing threats that Nigerian journalists face; the courage and dedication of media professionals remain a beacon of hope in the struggle for transparency and accountability.
However, the NUJ, along with other media and human rights organizations, are urged to persist in their advocacy efforts to protect journalists and uphold press freedom as it is crucial that all stakeholders—including the government, media houses, and the international community—work collaboratively to create a safe environment where journalists can carry out their work without fear of persecution.
Only through such concerted efforts can democracy thrive, and the fundamental rights of citizens, including the right to be informed, be upheld.
