Media experts, rights advocates and government officials urge stronger protection for journalists amid rising threats to democracy and free expression.
By A1 News International
ABUJA — May 7, 2026
Stakeholders in the media industry, human rights community and development sector have stressed that press freedom remains critical to democracy, human rights protection, national peace and sustainable development.
The stakeholders spoke on Thursday in Abuja during a training programme for journalists focused on the role of investigative journalism in protecting human rights and strengthening democratic institutions.
The event was organised by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in partnership with Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) and the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) to commemorate the 2026 World Press Freedom Day.
The programme was themed: “Shaping a Future at Peace: Promoting Press Freedom for Human Rights, Development, and Security.”
Media Critical to Democracy — Information Minister
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr. Mohammed Idris, represented by the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Press Council, Mr. Dili Ezughah, described journalism as one of the strongest pillars of democracy and social stability.
According to him, the media plays a central role in shaping societies, strengthening democratic institutions, promoting accountability and fostering peaceful coexistence.
“At a time when the world faces increasing polarisation, misinformation, insecurity, digital manipulation and attacks on democratic values, journalism remains one of the strongest pillars for truth, transparency and social stability,” he said.
He added that democracy and peace cannot flourish where truth is suppressed, stressing that a responsible and professional media helps to amplify vulnerable voices, promote national unity and safeguard democratic ideals.
Ezughah also noted that despite attempts to constrain press freedom in some quarters, journalists and media organisations continue to demonstrate resilience in defending truth and accountability.
Free Press Essential for Checks and Balances
Also speaking, the Resident Representative of Konrad Adenauer Stiftung in Nigeria, Mr. Moritz Sprenker, said a free and independent press is indispensable for transparency and good governance.
“A free and independent press is essential for checks and balances. It ensures that power is not exercised in the dark,” he stated.
Sprenker said press freedom extends beyond the media sector because it directly impacts human rights protection, governance, development and national stability.
According to him, societies where journalists can work freely are better equipped to manage crises, disagreements and social change, while suppression of the media creates room for misinformation, polarisation and instability.
He acknowledged the risks faced by journalists and urged media practitioners to remain courageous and committed to professional ethics.
Press Freedom Shapes Development — CJID
The Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), Mr. Dapo Olorunyomi, said freedom of the press is fundamental to societal progress and democratic governance.
Olorunyomi stressed that peace cannot thrive where truth is hidden, while governance cannot flourish in an atmosphere of intimidation and suppression.
“Press freedom is not just about protecting journalists; it is about safeguarding society’s ability to challenge oppression and demand accountability,” he said.
He called for stronger legal and institutional protections for journalists as part of efforts to preserve democracy and human rights.
NHRC Raises Concern Over Attacks on Journalists
On his part, the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, SAN, represented by Dr. Hiliary Ogbonna, described freedom of expression and media independence as vital pillars for peaceful and democratic societies.
He warned that societies where journalists are intimidated, censored or attacked cannot genuinely claim to be democratic or secure.
“Press freedom is not an abstract ideal; it is a practical necessity for national development and sustainable peace,” he said.
According to him, investigative journalism remains essential in exposing corruption, promoting transparency, amplifying vulnerable voices and countering misinformation during periods of conflict and insecurity.
Launch of Press Attack Tracker
The event also featured the official launch of the Press Attack Tracker (PAT West Africa), a platform designed to monitor and respond to attacks on journalists.
Mr. Akintunde Babatunde, Executive Director of CJID, said the initiative would help document cases of harassment, intimidation and attacks against media practitioners across the region.
He urged journalists facing threats or attacks to report through the platform and provided emergency contact details for affected reporters.
Experts Discuss Investigative Journalism, Human Rights
The programme brought together journalists, civil society organisations and human rights experts to discuss investigative journalism and its impact on democracy and nation-building.
A panel session moderated by Ms. Busola Ajibola featured contributions from Amnesty International Country Director, Mr. Isa Sanusi; NHRC Director of Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, Fatima Agwai Mohammed; media practitioner Matthew Ojodoma; and Mr. Godwin Onyeacholem of the African Centre for Media and Information Literacy (AFRICMIL).
Other presentations included sessions by HumAngle Managing Editor, Hauwa Nuhu, on dignity-centred human rights reporting, and CJID Project Manager for Media Freedom, Ms. Christiana Longe, who spoke on legal first aid for journalists.
Stakeholders at the event unanimously called for stronger protection of journalists, greater media independence and enhanced support for investigative journalism, insisting that press freedom remains indispensable for democracy, accountability, human rights and sustainable national development.
World Press Freedom Day is celebrated annually on May 3 to highlight the importance of press freedom and evaluate threats facing journalists worldwide.
![Nigerian military prepares to cordon the area where a man was killed by suspected rebel fighters during an attack around the Polo area of Maiduguri, Nigeria, in 2019 [File: Afolabi Sotunde/Reuters]](https://a1news.com.ng/wp/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Nigeria-military-on-patrol.webp)
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