The International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria will, going forward, fiercely resist further attacks on journalists in the country.
IPI Nigeria president, Musikilu Mojeed, said this in his welcome address to the 2025 IPI Nigeria Conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Abuja, on Tuesday.
He said the time had come to check the impunity in the country and also called for a review of laws that enable abuse, particularly the cybercrime and outdated criminal defamation provisions.
He decried the many centres of power routinely deploying state powers against journalists without consequences, saying this sends a dangerous message that silencing the press is acceptable.
“But let us be clear, ladies and gentlemen, Journalism is a tough, risky and selfless public service. And if they get nothing for their sacrifices for society, they are at least deserve respect and protection.
“Therefore, any further attack on journalists will be fiercely resisted going forward,” Musikilu added.
The IPI Nigeria president decried the drop of Nigeria by 10 points, from 112 to 122 in the global Press Freedom Ranking, pointing out that it is the cumulative effect of consistent and aggressive repression across states, across platforms, and across newsrooms.
He further pointed out that Nigeria is classified as one of West Africa’s most dangerous and difficult countries for journalists, adding that “this is not a beautiful portrayal of our country, but the description is not baseless.”
“Journalists are monitored, attacked, and arbitrarily arrested: Completely lawful reporting activities (filming a demolition, covering a protest, documenting police misconduct) have become dangerous acts. Media houses are shut down for political reasons: In Zamfara, four (4) broadcast stations (NTA, Pride FM, Gamji TV, and Al-Umma TV) were once closed simply for airing an opposition rally.
“Investigative journalists face targeted intimidation: We recall the harrowing experience of a colleague, Segun Olatunji, who was abducted, blindfolded, chained, and transported hundreds of kilometres away from his base for a controversial reporting.
“Online reporters are now frequent victims of cybercrime accusations: The cybercrime law, despite recent amendments, continues to be used to suppress digital journalism. Several journalists have been arrested or prosecuted under this legislation.
“Journalists covering protests and elections remain extremely vulnerable: In August 2024 alone, at least fifty-six (56) journalists were assaulted or arrested while covering demonstrations across the country.
“These are not abstractions. They have names, faces, and families. The pattern of repression is deepening, and the actors remain largely the same—state agents, political actors, and security operatives who operate with impunity.
“This has been said before, and I will say it again: Journalism is not a crime. And journalists are not criminals. The Constitution protects freedom of expression.
“The courts have affirmed it. But in practice, we continue to see arbitrary arrests, intimidation, censorship, and violence.”
Musikilu called on journalists across the country not to be apathetic or isolated but act as a unified community.
“Solidarity is our greatest line of defence. The stakes are high. Independent journalism is the lifeblood of democracy.
“When the press is intimidated, elections lose credibility, governance becomes opaque, corruption flourishes, and citizens lose their voice. We must not allow that to become Nigeria’s story,” he added.
He urged the Federal Government to call state governors, security agencies, other officials involved in impunity against media and journalists to order.
Meanwhile, IPI Nigeria has disclosed that it will endow a prize honour of its late treasurer, Rafat Idris Salami, at the University of Abuja, her alma mater.
“We will work with the university to ensure that every year, young journalists are inspired by the values Rafat lived by—integrity, courage, and selfless service,” the IPI president said.
“Her commitment was a reminder that journalism is not merely a job; it is a calling. It demands sacrifice. It demands conviction.”
In his address, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said independent press is central to a functioning democracy.
He said the theme of the conference: “Addressing Media Repression in Nigeria,” must be weighed against what happened in the past and if it is happening with the present administration.
“If the theme suggests an active, systemic policy of repression by the current administration, then we must, with respect, interrogate it against the available evidence,” he said.
The minister hailed the President Boa Tinubu administration for operating on the fundamental principle that a sure-footed, critical, and independent press is the central nervous system of a functioning democracy.
According to him, security agencies now operate under stricter protocols to respect the rights of journalists in conflict zones and during civil demonstrations.
He said the Tinubu administration has continued to guarantee the proper assurances of the enabling environment necessary for licensed media establishments to thrive and give more voices to our people without ambiguity or fear.
He added: “We, however, acknowledge that challenges persist. The balance between national security, combating misinformation, and upholding absolute press freedom is a complex one, navigated by nations across the globe.
“Our approach to this complexity is the most telling proof of our restraint.”
