Attacks on Journalists Weaken Accountability, Spread Misinformation, SERAP and NGE Warn

Nigerian Advocacy Groups Call for Greater Press Freedom Amid Rising Insecurity

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) have jointly called on the Federal Government to strengthen press freedom protections and ensure the safety of journalists across the country. The appeal came during a joint press conference held in Ikeja to commemorate World Press Freedom Day, observed annually on May 3rd.

SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, and NGE Secretary Onuoha Ukeh, represented by Gabriel Akinadewo, addressed the gathering under the theme “Role of the Media in Promoting People’s Rights, Accountability and Access to Justice in the Context of Growing Insecurity in Nigeria.”

The advocacy groups emphasized that protecting journalists and maintaining information integrity are fundamental to peace, security, and democratic stability in Nigeria. They argued that any effective security strategy must support free, independent, and diverse media alongside humanitarian and economic responses.

“A free and independent press is not just desirable—it’s essential for peace and development in Nigeria,” said Oluwadare during the conference. “When journalists cannot safely report, corruption thrives, accountability weakens, and misinformation spreads unchecked.”

The organizations expressed deep concern about the ongoing violence in several Nigerian states, including Benue, Borno, Kwara, Plateau, and Sokoto. According to their reports, thousands have been killed and millions displaced, with rural communities frequently targeted and women and children bearing the brunt of these atrocities.

“The humanitarian consequences remain severe; communities destroyed, livelihoods lost and victims left without effective remedies,” the groups stated, noting that these violations constitute breaches of Nigeria’s constitutional and international obligations, including those under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

The press conference highlighted the significance of this year’s UNESCO theme for World Press Freedom Day—”Shaping a Future of Peace”—which underscores the critical relationship between media freedom and societal stability. The groups cited Sections 22 and 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, which mandate media accountability and guarantee freedom of expression, respectively.

In response to these challenges, SERAP and NGE outlined a comprehensive set of recommendations for government action. They called for better protection of civic spaces, promotion of ethical reporting standards, and recognition that attacks on journalists represent serious human rights violations.

The groups demanded prompt and independent investigations into attacks on journalists, prosecution of perpetrators, and effective remedies for victims, including compensation and rehabilitation. They also advocated for greater transparency in security operations and the establishment of public reporting systems for threats against the press.

Furthermore, they urged the federal government to invite United Nations and African Union human rights rapporteurs to conduct fact-finding missions in affected areas. The National Assembly was also called upon to convene a public hearing specifically focused on insecurity and attacks on journalists.

Nigeria’s press freedom record has been a growing concern for international observers. According to Reporters Without Borders’ 2025 World Press Freedom Index, Nigeria’s ranking has steadily declined over the past five years, reflecting increasing challenges for journalists operating in the country.

Media experts note that the connection between press freedom and security is particularly relevant in Nigeria’s current climate, where accurate reporting on conflict is essential for public awareness and governmental accountability.

As Nigeria continues to battle multiple security challenges across different regions, the role of journalists in documenting these conflicts and holding authorities accountable remains crucial—making the protection of press freedom not just a media concern but a national security imperative.