SERAP, NGE Call For Stronger Protection Of Nigerian Journalists

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP and the Nigerian Guild of Editors, NGE have urged the Federal Government and state governors to take urgent measures to protect journalists and to address insecurity and impunity in the country.
The groups also called on the government of President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyseom Wike, to respect press freedom and put an end to the rising insecurity and widespread human rights abuses in many parts of northern Nigeria.
In a joint statement issued in Lagos on Sunday to mark World Press Freedom Day, they made the call.
The statement came after a conference and interactive session on “the Role of the Media in Promoting People’s Rights, Accountability and Access to Justice in the Context of Growing Insecurity in Nigeria” held on Saturday at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja.
“Protection of journalists and safeguarding information integrity are core drivers of peace, security and democratic stability,” SERAP and NGE said.
A credible strategy for peace, recovery and security in Nigeria should incorporate support for free, independent and pluralistic media, as well as humanitarian, institutional and economic responses.
“Deep concern at the scale and persistence of killings, abductions, sexual violence, forced displacement and destruction of property in some parts of northern Nigeria.”
“They said these patterns show systematic failures to prevent foreseeable harm, protect communities, investigate violations, prosecute perpetrators and their sponsors, and ensure access to justice and effective remedies for victims.
“Such serious violations are serious violations of Nigeria’s obligations under the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended), the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to which Nigeria is a State Party.
The humanitarian consequences remain grave, with communities ruined, livelihoods lost and victims without effective remedy. “Continued impunity continues to erode public trust and undermine democratic governance,” the statement said.
The groups said the Nigerian authorities at all levels have constitutional and international obligations to protect journalists and end insecurity.
They said the Tinubu administration, state governors and the FCT minister must “exercise due diligence to prevent, investigate and remedy human rights violations, including by ensuring justice for victims and accountability for perpetrators and their sponsors.”
They also highlighted that the 2026 World Press Freedom Day Conference theme, “Shaping a Future of Peace,” set by UNESCO, highlights the critical role of free and independent media in peace and development.
“Information violence often leads to physical violence,” the groups warned, adding that protecting journalists is key to fighting insecurity and strengthening democracy.
They recalled section 22 of the Nigerian Constitution which makes it mandatory for the media to hold the government accountable and section 39 which guarantees freedom of expression.
SERAP and the NGE called on the authorities to ensure press freedom, protect the civic space and ensure prompt, independent investigations of violations, including prosecution of offenders and payment of compensation to victims.
They also called for increased transparency in security operations and the establishment of public reporting systems to monitor incidents, and for cooperation with international entities, including UN and African Commission rapporteurs, to investigate human rights abuses.
The groups also called on the National Assembly to use its oversight role and hold a public hearing on insecurity and attacks against journalists.
They also called on the international community to exert more pressure on Nigerian authorities to take concrete steps to end insecurity and impunity.
“Entire communities are being wiped out in many parts of the north and the perpetrators are operating with little or no consequences.” – Femi Falana (SAN), human rights lawyer, at the event. “Impunity is not simply an absence of justice—it is a driver of further violence.”
“Any government that fails to protect its people or refuses to hold perpetrators to account erodes its own legitimacy,” he said. “Journalists are not the enemy of the State – they are vital partners in exposing abuse, preventing violence and strengthening democracy.”
The event was attended by senior media professionals, civil society organizations and other stakeholders who pledged commitment for promoting the implementation of the recommendations.
World Press Freedom Day 2026 is observed on May 3, 2026. The theme of this year’s edition is the importance of independent journalism, the safety of journalists and the impact of artificial intelligence on the integrity of information.
For a better world.