Nigeria's Minister Denies Jailing Journalists Under Tinubu Administration

On Friday, Nigeria's Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, categorically denied that any journalist has been jailed under President Bola Tinubu's administration for practicing responsible journalism. Idris made this declaration during a press briefing in Abuja to commemorate World Press Freedom Day, organized in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Environment and Ecological Management and the United Nations Educational and Scientific Organization.

"I have not seen somebody in the life of this administration, for example, who has been put in jail, or who has gone into exile as a result of press freedom," Idris stated. He emphasized that while the Nigerian press is largely free, the spread of falsehood and misinformation constitutes irresponsible journalism, which cannot be equated with press freedom. "We knew what has happened in this country in the past. Some decades ago, we know that you have to leave this country to be able to report. I can tell you thatthe press in Nigeriais largely free..."Idris said, adding that press freedom will be further consolidated if honesty and transparency are upheld in reporting.

Why this matters: The freedom of the press is a cornerstone of democracy, and any restrictions on it can have far-reaching consequences for the ability of citizens to hold those in power accountable. A lack of press freedom can also contribute to the spread of misinformation and undermine trust in institutions.

The Minister highlighted the government's efforts to provide unprecedented access to journalists and create an enabling environment forthe Nigerian mediato grow. He acknowledged President Tinubu's recognition of the media's role in enlightening and informing the public and stressed the need for credible and timely information to promote transparency and accountability.

This year's World Press Freedom Day theme, "A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the face of Environmental Crisis," emphasized the urgent need for action on environmental issues. Idris underscored the role of press freedom in addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, stressing the importance of journalists dedicated to reporting the truth.

Despite these assurances, media practitioners in Nigeria continue to face harassment, threats, and illegal detention. In recent months, several journalists have been targeted, including Marcus Fatunmole, who was harassed by security agents while investigating a transportation scheme in Abuja, and Dele Fasan, who was brutalized by army officers while covering a labor protest in Delta State. Concerns have also been raised over transparency and access to information, with journalists being barred from covering certain events.

Nigeria has made some progress in press freedom rankings, moving up six places to 123 out of 180 countries in the Reporters Without Borders global press freedom report. However, the Media Foundation for West Africa notes that the country still has a long way to go, with politically troubled Burkina Faso and Niger Republic having better scorecards. The Cybercrimes Act, specifically Section 24(1b), has also been used to obstruct press freedom and target online journalists, despite a recent amendment signed by President Tinubu in February 2024.

As Nigeria continues to grapple with challenges to press freedom, it remains crucial for the government to take decisive action in further amending restrictive laws and enacting legislation that respects the rights of journalists. "We call onthe Federal Governmentof Nigeria to take decisive action in further amending the Act to address these challenges and enact legislation and policy that are rights-respecting..."a press release by six civil society organizations stated. Only through concerted efforts to protect and promote a free press can Nigeria truly advance its democratic principles and hold those in power accountable.

Key Takeaways

• Nigeria's Minister of Information denies jailing journalists for responsible journalism under President Tinubu's administration.
• Minister emphasizes importance of honest and transparent reporting to consolidate press freedom.
• Despite assurances, Nigerian journalists face harassment, threats, and illegal detention.
• Nigeria ranks 123 out of 180 countries in global press freedom report, with room for improvement.
• Civil society organizations call for decisive action to amend restrictive laws and protect journalists' rights.