World Press Freedom Day: SERAP, NGE, HHRC demand safety, justice for journalists

NBC urges commitment to responsible, credible broadcasting The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) have called on President Bola Tinubu, state governors and other authorities to urgently protect journalists, end insecurity and tackle the culture of impunity across Nigeria. The call was made as the international community marked World Press Freedom Day, following a joint conference and interactive session held in Lagos on the theme: “The Role of the Media in Promoting People’s Rights, Accountability, and Access to Justice in the Context of Growing Insecurity in Nigeria.” The event, organised by SERAP and NGE at Ikeja, brought together editors of various Newspapers, media professionals, civil society actors and legal practitioners to deliberate on the worsening security situation and its implications for press freedom. In a joint statement read by the SERAP Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, and the Assistant General Secretary of the guild, Akin Adewo, the groups stressed that protecting journalists and safeguarding information integrity are central to peace, security and democratic stability. They expressed grave concern over the scale of violence in parts of Northern Nigeria, including Benue, Borno, Kwara, Plateau and Sokoto states, noting that killings, abductions, sexual violence and forced displacement have continued unabated. According to SERAP and NGE, such violations constitute breaches of Nigeria’s obligations under the Constitution, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. They warned that the persistence of impunity continues to erode public trust and weaken democratic governance. Also, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called for zero tolerance against attacks on journalists and media organisations in Nigeria, warning that threats to press freedom pose a danger to democratic governance and citizens’ rights. Speaking during the commemoration of the 2026 World Press Freedom Day, which is held on May 3 every year, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr Tony Ojukwu, declared that a free and independent press remains the lifeblood of every thriving democracy. In a statement issued yesterday, the senior lawyer and human rights advocate stressed that there is a direct link between press freedom, accountability, transparency, and citizen participation in governance. According to him, societies where the media operates freely are better positioned to deepen democratic values and protect human rights. Ojukwu maintained that press freedom is not a privilege, but a constitutional right guaranteed under Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, as well as regional and international human rights instruments binding on Nigeria. He warned that every attack on journalists amounts to an attack on democracy itself and undermines the public’s right to information. The NHRC boss expressed concern over what he described as persistent cases of intimidation, arbitrary arrests, assaults, and online harassment targeting journalists across the country. He also condemned incidents involving the killing of media practitioners in the line of duty, noting that such violations create fear and encourage self-censorship among journalists. He disclosed that the Commission has begun systematic tracking and documentation of press freedom violations nationwide, adding that the outcome of the exercise would be made public to strengthen accountability and advocacy for journalists’ protection. Ojukwu further urged governments, security agencies, and non-state actors to desist from actions that can obstruct lawful media activities. He called for prompt and transparent investigations into attacks against journalists, insisting that perpetrators must face justice. Meanwhile, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has reaffirmed its commitment to credible, responsible and independent broadcasting. NBC Director General, Charles Ebuebu, observed that the central role of a free, responsible and professional media in sustaining democratic governance and social stability cannot be overemphasised. Themed “Shaping a future at peace,” he also argued that peace is not sustained by the absence of dissent but by the presence of credible information, informed dialogue and institutional accountability. Within this context, he added that the media, as the fourth estate, carries a dual obligation and must not only inform but do so with discipline. He noted that “public trust is not derived from volume or speed but from accuracy, verification and editorial responsibility. Where misinformation proliferates, or standards decline, the consequences extend beyond reputational damage to tangible risks for national cohesion.”