Press Freedom Day: NGE, SERAP Urge Tinubu, Governors to Protect Journalists, End Insecurity

As the world marks World Press Freedom Day, the Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE) and the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) have jointly called on the administration of President Bola Tinubu, state governors, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory to take urgent steps to safeguard press freedom and address rising insecurity across Nigeria.

In a statement issued on May 2, 2026, both organisations stressed that protecting journalists and ensuring the free flow of credible information are critical to achieving peace, security, and democratic stability. They warned that the continued erosion of independent journalism through intimidation, repression, and attacks on media professionals is contributing to governance failures, weakening accountability, and fueling misinformation.

The groups expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation in parts of northern Nigeria, including Benue, Plateau, Borno, Sokoto, and Kwara states. They highlighted the alarming scale of killings, abductions, sexual violence, forced displacement, and destruction of property, noting that these developments reflect systemic failures in protecting citizens and prosecuting perpetrators.

According to NGE and SERAP, the persistence of impunity has not only worsened human rights violations but also eroded public trust in government institutions. They emphasized that Nigeria has binding obligations under its Constitution and international human rights frameworks to protect citizens, uphold press freedom, and ensure justice for victims.

The organisations noted that Section 22 of the 1999 Constitution mandates the media to hold the government accountable, while Section 39 guarantees freedom of expression. They argued that these provisions require authorities to actively protect journalists and create a safe environment for reporting, especially in conflict-affected areas.

Referencing the 2026 World Press Freedom Day theme, “Shaping a Future of Peace,” the groups underscored the importance of a free, independent, and viable media ecosystem in promoting sustainable development and national security.

NGE and SERAP called on the federal and state governments to take concrete actions, including strengthening security measures, conducting transparent investigations into human rights violations, prosecuting offenders and their sponsors, and ensuring justice and compensation for victims.

They also urged authorities to improve transparency in security operations, establish early warning systems, and create a public registry to document incidents and responses, thereby enhancing accountability and public trust.

Additionally, the groups called on the National Assembly to convene an urgent public hearing to address insecurity and the increasing threats to press freedom. They recommended that international bodies, including United Nations and African human rights mechanisms, be invited to conduct independent assessments of the situation in Nigeria.

The statement further appealed to the international community to sustain pressure on Nigerian authorities to uphold human rights obligations and prioritise the protection of journalists and vulnerable communities.

NGE and SERAP concluded that addressing insecurity in Nigeria requires a sustained commitment to transparency, accountability, and human rights, warning that failure to act decisively could further deepen the country’s governance and security challenges.