Nigerian journalists note press freedom gains

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) have acknowledged improvements in press freedom, despite challenges confronting Nigeria’s media industry.

The stakeholders made the observations in commemoration of World Press Freedom Day marked worldwide every year on May 3.

Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria, Lagos State NUJ Chairman, Adeleye Ajayi, said the media had witnessed relative progress.

Ajayi said press freedom in the past three years had improved, compared with experiences recorded in earlier periods across the country.

He noted that attacks, harassment, and killings involving journalists were no longer as widespread as before.

According to him, government institutions now engage journalists more regularly, helping to improve communication and professional relationships.

“Government and the media now engage consistently, and communication gaps are gradually being bridged,” he said.

Ajayi, however, warned that fresh concerns were emerging, particularly journalists’ adaptation to artificial intelligence and increasing cybercrime-related cases.

He said some journalists had faced invitations and detentions by security agencies over alleged cybercrime matters.

He said such incidents often encouraged self-censorship and discouraged deeper investigative reporting among practitioners.

Ajayi called for the repeal of laws considered hostile to journalism and greater accountability for attacks against media professionals.

He also urged the government to avoid interfering in media ownership and editorial independence.

According to him, better welfare packages for journalists remain essential for strengthening professional standards.

He also demanded full implementation of the Freedom of Information Act to improve transparency and accountability.

“The media remains the oxygen of democracy and must operate without fear or intimidation,” he said.

Similarly, Ifeyinwa Omowole, a former National President of NAWOJ, said press freedom had improved significantly when compared with conditions three decades ago.

“We are not where we desire, but we are better than where we started,” Omowole said.

She identified poor funding as one of the biggest obstacles affecting newsroom operations and professional development.

She said limited financial resources had weakened training opportunities and operational efficiency across media organisations.

She called for better implementation of the Freedom of Information Act across public institutions.

Omowole also urged security agencies to receive training on journalists’ rights and professional responsibilities.

She stressed that continuous training and retraining remained vital for maintaining professionalism and public trust.

Meanwhile, Jumoke Johnson, Chairperson, NAWOJ, Lagos State chapter, said Nigeria recorded progress in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index.

Johnson said Nigeria moved from 122nd position in 2025 to 112th position in 2026.

She said the improvement reflected progress but also showed that significant work remained.

According to Johnson, journalists currently enjoy some operational freedom, though absolute press freedom remains unrealised.

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She identified social media misuse as a growing threat to professional journalism and public trust.

“Anyone with a smartphone now claims to be a journalist, often without ethics or training,” she said.

Johnson warned that such practices fuel misinformation, disinformation, and declining public confidence in credible journalism.

She also highlighted poor salaries and limited access to professional development opportunities.

She said dependence on government and political funding weakened media independence and editorial integrity.

According to her, support from civil society and non-profit organisations could reduce undue influence.

Johnson urged Nigerians to defend credible journalism and actively challenge false information.

She also called on journalists to uphold ethics, pursue truth, and demand improved welfare conditions. 

“Let us continue to speak with one voice for better remuneration and working conditions,” she said

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