Advocates Rally for Journalists’ Safety Amidst Rising Threats At Multi-Stakeholder Roundtable

Amidst growing concerns over the safety of journalists in Nigeria, a Multi-Stakeholder Roundtable convened in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city.

Spearheaded by the Media Rights Agenda (MRA) in collaboration with Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) Nigeria, the event aimed to address the myriad challenges faced by journalists, particularly female reporters, and explore actionable solutions to ensure their safety and security in the line of duty.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Lennart Oestergaard, Resident Representative of Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) Nigeria,  underscored the foundation’s commitment to promoting democracy and safeguarding fundamental freedoms.

Reflecting on the legacy of Friedrich Ebert—a staunch advocate for democracy in post-war Germany—Oestergaard emphasised the critical role of journalism in holding power to account.

Mr. Edetaen Ojo, Executive Director of MRA,  emphasizing the indispensable role of journalists in a democratic society, highlighted the challenges faced by journalists, citing a culture of impunity and institutionalized harassment within newsrooms. Ojo urged stakeholders to prioritize the safety of journalists, stressing that a conducive environment is essential for upholding press freedom and ensuring public access to accurate information.

Benedicta Akpede, Project Officer for Media Freedom at the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), presented a comprehensive overview of attacks against journalists in Nigeria, spanning from 1998 to the present day. While acknowledging the prevalence of attacks, Akpede expressed concern over the lack of data on assaults targeting female journalists, calling attention to a potential culture of silence within the industry.

In her main presentation titled “A Gendered Perspective,” Mrs. Motunrayo Alaka, Executive Director/CEO of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ), shed light on the specific threats faced by female journalists. From online harassment to physical violence, Alaka highlighted the pervasive nature of gender-based attacks, underscoring the urgent need for concerted action to protect female reporters.

The discussion delved into the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists, presented by Edetaen Ojo, which outlines a comprehensive framework for preventing attacks, protecting journalists, and prosecuting perpetrators. Despite international commitments, Nigeria has yet to establish a national mechanism for journalist safety—a glaring gap that underscores the urgent need for action.

Participants, including Dayo Aiyetan, Executive Director of the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR), and Dr. Akin Akingbulu, Executive Director of the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), emphasised the importance of collaborative solutions and systemic reforms to address the root causes of journalist insecurity.

As the roundtable drew to a close, a sense of urgency permeated the room, a shared commitment to safeguarding the integrity of journalism and protecting those who risk their lives to uncover the truth. With stakeholders united in purpose, there is hope that concerted action will pave the way for a safer, more conducive environment for journalists in Nigeria.