World Press Freedom Day 2026: IPC Calls for Urgent Action to Protect Journalists in Nigeria
By Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The International Press Centre (IPC) has issued a powerful call for renewed commitment to strengthening press freedom in Nigeria, as it joined the global community to mark World Press Freedom Day 2026. The appeal comes at a critical time when journalists across the country face escalating threats, from physical attacks to legal harassment, undermining the very foundation of democratic governance.
The Theme: Shaping a Future at Peace
KANO FOCUS reports that the appeal was made in a statement issued on Saturday by IPC’s Press Freedom Officer, Melody Akinjiyan, to commemorate the annual event. This year’s theme, “Shaping a Future at Peace,” underscores the indispensable role of a free, independent, and responsible media in fostering peace, democratic governance, and social cohesion. In a world increasingly fractured by conflict, misinformation, and political instability, the media stands as a vital pillar of truth and accountability.
World Press Freedom Day, proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993, is observed every May 3 to remind governments of their obligation to uphold press freedom and ensure a safe environment for journalists. The day serves as a global checkpoint for evaluating progress and identifying gaps in the protection of media professionals.
Alarming Statistics: 23 Attacks on Journalists in 2025
The IPC disclosed that in 2025, it documented at least 23 cases of attacks involving 28 journalists and two media organisations across Nigeria. These incidents ranged from threats to life, abduction, unlawful arrest, harassment, and physical assault to, in some cases, murder. The data paints a grim picture of the dangers journalists face daily in the line of duty.
A breakdown of the data showed that 23 of the affected journalists were male, three female, while two cases did not specify gender. By media platform, online journalists recorded the highest number of attacks with 16 cases, followed by broadcast media with 10, and print with one. This trend highlights the increasing vulnerability of digital journalists, who often operate without the institutional protections afforded to traditional media houses.
Why Online Journalists Are Most at Risk
Online journalists in Nigeria frequently work as freelancers or for small digital outlets with limited legal and financial resources. They are often the first to report on sensitive topics such as corruption, human rights abuses, and electoral violence, making them prime targets for both state and non-state actors. The lack of physical office security and the anonymity of online threats further compound their vulnerability.
IPC Executive Director’s Statement: A Call to Action
Speaking on the significance of the theme, IPC Executive Director Lanre Arogundade emphasised the media’s role as a beacon of truth in turbulent times. “At a time when the world faces growing threats to civic space, journalism plays a key role in amplifying marginalised voices, countering disinformation, and enabling informed public discourse,” he said.
Arogundade expressed deep concern over the increasing risks faced by journalists, including harassment, unlawful detention, and violent attacks. He noted that such threats undermine both press freedom and citizens’ access to credible information, which is essential for holding power to account. He called on governments, security agencies, and other stakeholders to prioritise the safety of journalists and ensure accountability for crimes against media professionals.
Practical Example: The Case of Unlawful Detention
In 2025, a journalist in Kaduna was detained for 72 hours without charge after reporting on a local government corruption scandal. The IPC documented this case as part of its monitoring efforts. Such incidents not only traumatise the individual journalist but also create a chilling effect that discourages others from pursuing investigative stories.
Ethical Journalism and Responsible Reporting
The IPC also stressed the need for ethical journalism and responsible reporting, particularly in conflict-sensitive situations. The organisation urged media practitioners to uphold professionalism, accuracy, and fairness while tackling misinformation and hate speech. In a digital age where false information spreads rapidly, journalists have a duty to verify sources and provide context, especially when covering ethnic or religious tensions.
How Journalists Can Combat Misinformation
Practical steps include cross-checking facts with multiple sources, using open-source intelligence tools, and collaborating with fact-checking organisations like Africa Check or Dubawa. Media houses should also invest in training for journalists on digital security and trauma-informed reporting.
New Publication: “The Unseen Enablers”
As part of activities marking the day, the IPC announced the launch of a new publication titled “The Unseen Enablers,” produced with support from the International Freedom of Expression Exchange. The report examines the role of non-state actors in undermining press freedom and the safety of journalists in Nigeria. It highlights how such actors—ranging from political thugs to corporate interests—impede access to information and the dissemination of news.
The IPC said the publication is aimed at fostering greater awareness and encouraging collaborative efforts to address challenges posed by these “unseen enablers” to a free and safe media environment. By naming and analysing these actors, the report seeks to empower journalists and civil society to push back against systemic threats.
A Call for Collective Action
The IPC urged governments, civil society groups, media owners, and the international community to work together to build a media landscape that supports peace, justice, and inclusive development. “A peaceful future is only possible where the press is free, voices are heard, and truth prevails,” the statement added.
This call resonates beyond Nigeria. Globally, press freedom is under siege, with journalists jailed, killed, or silenced in record numbers. The IPC’s message is a reminder that protecting journalists is not a partisan issue but a fundamental requirement for democracy.
Conclusion: The Path Forward
As Nigeria marks World Press Freedom Day 2026, the IPC’s report serves as both a warning and a roadmap. The government must act swiftly to implement court orders protecting journalists, prosecute those who attack them, and create an enabling environment for media freedom. For journalists, the path forward lies in solidarity, ethical practice, and leveraging digital tools for safety and impact.
For readers, the takeaway is clear: a free press is not a luxury but a necessity. Supporting independent journalism—through subscriptions, sharing verified news, and speaking out against attacks—is a civic duty.
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