Media Experts Warn of Rising Threats To Journalism In Nigeria

Media professionals in Nigeria have warned that mounting threats to journalism, fuelled by misinformation and unregulated online content, risk undermining the country’s democracy.

Former President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Chris Isiguzo, gave the warning at the NUJ FCT 2025 Capacity Building Programme for information and media officers in Keffi, Nasarawa State.

He said the rapid growth of digital technology and the dominance of online influencers had created an information space where non-professionals increasingly shape public narratives.

According to Isiguzo, journalists must reclaim their role in the digital environment to counter what he described as the “fifth law of misinformation,” which he said is driving confusion and public distrust.

“The tools we have today are in the hands of everyone, especially young people, and they can do anything with them,” he said. “Professionals must occupy the space whether on social media or elsewhere to curb the unchecked flow of content.”

He criticised the absence of a legal framework safeguarding journalists in Nigeria, noting that countries such as Ghana, Malawi and the United States offer stronger constitutional protections.

“There is no legislation that protects the practice of journalism in Nigeria,” he said. “When the oxygen of democracy is cut off, the result is toxic for good governance, for accountability, and for society.”

Isiguzo added that many Nigerian journalists continue to work in fear of harassment, arrest or intimidation.

“Journalists are living with fear of the unknown, fear of feeding and protecting their families. “Only proper legislation can guarantee their safety.”

Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Grace Ike, in her keynote address, described the training programme as a strategic effort to strengthen professionalism in Nigeria’s communication sector.

She said the theme “Enhancing Image Making, Public Relations, Social Media Management and Media Visibility in the Public Sector” reflects the challenges of a fast-moving information age.

“We live in an era where information travels faster than policy, and where a single tweet or headline can reshape the reputation of an institution,” Ike said.

She said the role of information officers now extends beyond issuing statements to handling crisis communication, digital engagement and reputation management.

“Training is not optional; it is fundamental,” she said. “It is the difference between managing information and shaping narratives.”

She encouraged participants from government institutions, regulatory agencies and media organisations to see the programme as an opportunity to deepen professionalism and improve public communication.

The Head of Corporate Communications at the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Mrs Nnenna Ukoha represented by Principal Manager, Public Affairs, Tunde Akpeji said the workshop was aimed at improving efficiency and strengthening the capacity of information officers.

He said the Commission places high value on its personnel and sees continuous training as crucial to safeguarding national communication infrastructure.

The programme forms part of the FCT NUJ’s broader effort to enhance ethical standards, improve government communication and equip journalists with tools to confront rising misinformation.

The event also featured contributions from the Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Stanley Azuka Ogadigo; Deputy Director of the International Institute of Journalism, Nicholas Igwenagu; Dr Simon Sheyigar of the Federal University Lokoja; and public relations expert Victor Habila Alaka, who led sessions on reputation management and strategic communication.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji