Prominent media stakeholders, human rights advocates and government officials on Thursday called for stronger protection of press freedom and journalists’ rights as Nigeria joined the rest of the world to commemorate the 2026 World Press Freedom Day in Abuja.
The event, held at the Abuja Continental Hotel, brought together media practitioners, civil society groups, government officials and development partners under the theme: “Shaping a Future at Peace: Promoting Press Freedom for Human Rights, Development and Security.”
Speaking at the event, Moritz Sprenker described journalism as a cornerstone of democratic societies, stressing that press freedom goes beyond the media industry and directly impacts human rights, development and stability.
According to him, societies where journalists can work freely are better equipped to manage crises, disagreements and social change, while suppression of the press fuels misinformation, polarization and instability.
Sprenker commended journalists for their role in strengthening accountability and public debate, urging them to remain steadfast in asking difficult questions and defending fact-based discourse.
“Press freedom is not something that can be taken for granted. It depends on people who are willing to uphold it daily with professional integrity and commitment,” he said.
Also speaking, Dapo Olorunyomi said the gathering honoured generations of Nigerian journalists and civic actors who sacrificed to expand the frontiers of free expression in the country.
He lamented what he described as growing global attacks on democratic institutions and the rise of misinformation, noting that Nigeria’s media landscape still faces challenges including outdated laws, regulatory overreach, intimidation and restrictions on civic space.
Olorunyomi stressed that peace, development and security cannot thrive where truth is suppressed or scrutiny is weakened.
“History teaches us that peace cannot endure where truth is silenced, and development cannot flourish where expression is restrained,” he said.
He called for stronger legal protections for journalists, sustainable media business models and broader collaboration among newsrooms, civil society organisations and judicial institutions to resist attempts to suppress free expression.
In his address, Tony Ojukwu described press freedom as a fundamental pillar of democracy, accountability and human dignity.
Ojukwu noted that attacks on journalists, intimidation of media professionals and shrinking civic space remain serious concerns in Nigeria, warning that a society where journalists are silenced cannot genuinely claim to be democratic or secure.
He said the media plays a critical role in exposing corruption, amplifying vulnerable voices and promoting transparency and social cohesion, especially during periods of insecurity and conflict.
The NHRC boss reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to monitoring violations against journalists, advocating legal reforms and promoting human rights-based journalism.
He, however, urged journalists to uphold professionalism and ethical standards amid the growing spread of disinformation, hate speech and deep fakes on digital platforms.
“Freedom of expression must never be weaponised to incite violence, promote discrimination or threaten national peace and security,” he stated.
Delivering remarks as Special Guest of Honour, Mohammed Idris said journalism remains one of the strongest pillars for truth, transparency and democratic stability in an era marked by insecurity, digital manipulation and misinformation.
The minister reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to democratic freedoms and media independence within the bounds of national security.
Idris said the Federal Government was investing in digital innovation, broadband expansion, cybersecurity and technology-driven reforms to strengthen governance and improve public participation.
He also acknowledged the difficult conditions under which journalists operate, including misinformation, online harassment and economic pressures, calling for stronger collaboration between government institutions, civil society and media stakeholders.
While emphasising the importance of press freedom, the minister cautioned media practitioners against fake news, hate speech and divisive narratives, urging journalists to uphold professionalism and integrity in the digital age.
“Peace and democracy cannot flourish where truth is suppressed, and human rights cannot thrive where information is manipulated,” he said.
The event was jointly organised by the National Human Rights Commission and the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development with support from the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung.
