The Nigerian chapter of the International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria) has called for a review of existing Nigerian laws, including the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, as amended, and criminal defamation laws, to reflect contemporary realities and align with best practices in protecting freedom of expression.
The call was included in a communiqué issued by the media organisation at the conclusion of their 2025 Annual Conference and Annual General Meeting, held on Tuesday, December 2, and Wednesday, December 3, 2025, in Abuja, Nigeria. The event’s central theme was: “Addressing Media Repression in Nigeria: Safeguarding Press Freedom and Democratic Accountability.”
The organisation expressed deep concern that government officials and security operatives are among the main actors responsible for attacks on media freedom and journalism in Nigeria.
It further highlighted concern over the latest report released in November by Media Rights Agenda, commemorating this year’s International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, which identified government officials as responsible for nearly 74% of all attacks on journalists and media organisations documented in Nigeria between January 1 and October 31, 2025.
The organisation commended the inclusion of three state actors, Mohammed Bago, Governor of Niger State; Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector General of Police; and Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, in the “Book of Infamy” for actions deemed inimical to freedom of expression and unfettered media practice.
It noted, with appreciation, Vice-President Kashim Shettima’s pledge to intervene in addressing issues concerning those listed in the Book of Infamy.
The organisation urged journalists to maintain collective effort and solidarity in the challenging fight against repression and the declining fortunes of media organisations.
The organisation further urged media organisations and stakeholders to promote and invest more in investigative journalism in Nigeria as a crucial means of holding leaders accountable.
Two papers were presented at the Conference: one by Mr Edetaen Ojo, the Executive Director of Media Rights Agenda (MRA), whose paper was titled “Addressing Media Repression in Nigeria: Safeguarding Press Freedom and Democratic Accountability” and the second paper by Mr Isiaq Ajibola, Co-Founder of Media Trust Limited, whose paper was titled “Building Sustainable Media in Nigeria: Navigating Innovation, Credibility and Revenue challenges.”
Please visit this link to read the full communique
