By Nkechi Eze
As the world commemorates World Press Freedom Day 2026, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has called for sweeping reforms to strengthen the protection of journalists and guarantee media independence in Nigeria.
According to an official signed statement by the Executive Director of CISLAC, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, the organisation aligned itself with this year’s theme by UNESCO, “Shaping a Future of Peace: Promoting Press Freedom for Human Rights, Development, and Security,” stressing that a free and independent press remains indispensable to democratic governance, accountability, and national development.
Rafsanjani described the media as a critical watchdog that safeguards public interest, exposes corruption, amplifies citizens’ voices, and supports informed decision-making. He warned that any attempt to stifle press freedom undermines democracy, fuels corruption, and erodes public trust in institutions.
The CISLAC Executive Director underscored the importance of full compliance with the Freedom of Information Act, noting that it guarantees citizens lawful access to government-held information. He maintained that effective implementation of the Act would significantly curb misinformation and disinformation while enhancing transparency and accountability in governance. He added that citizens who follow due process must be granted access to public information without undue obstruction.
Beyond legal protections, Rafsanjani highlighted the need to address the economic realities facing journalists, stressing that press freedom must also encompass improved welfare. He noted that journalists should not be compelled to operate under conditions of financial hardship, calling for better wages, improved working conditions, and enhanced living standards to preserve professionalism, independence, and integrity within the media.
The statement expressed concern over the deteriorating state of press freedom globally and within Nigeria. Citing recent findings by Reporters Without Borders, CISLAC noted that global press freedom has declined to its lowest level in 25 years, with over half of countries now classified as having difficult or very serious conditions for journalists.
In Nigeria, despite a marginal improvement to 112th position out of 180 countries, the media landscape remains fraught with challenges. Rafsanjani pointed to persistent cases of harassment, arbitrary arrests, and physical attacks on journalists, often involving security agencies. He further decried the misuse of legal frameworks such as the Cybercrimes Act and defamation laws to intimidate and detain reporters, alongside political interference, surveillance of investigative journalists, and economic pressures undermining media independence.
He also noted that weak accountability systems have enabled perpetrators of attacks against journalists to act with impunity, resulting in increased self-censorship and a shrinking civic space.
CISLAC called on the Federal Government and relevant stakeholders to urgently review and amend laws that restrict press freedom, particularly provisions that criminalise journalism, while enacting stronger legal safeguards for media practitioners. The organisation urged authorities to ensure prompt, independent, and transparent investigations into all cases of attacks on journalists, with a commitment to prosecuting offenders irrespective of status or affiliation.
Rafsanjani further stressed the need to protect editorial independence, promote media diversity, and address the economic sustainability of independent journalism through supportive yet non-intrusive policies. He advocated enhanced safety measures for journalists, including training in digital security, conflict-sensitive reporting, and ethical journalism, as well as the establishment of early warning and rapid response mechanisms for those under threat.
The statement also called for a culture of openness and transparency in governance, urging full implementation of the Freedom of Information Act, while emphasising the need for stronger collaboration among civil society, media organisations, government institutions, and the private sector to create an enabling environment for journalism to thrive.
CISLAC urged Nigeria to actively support international efforts aimed at combating disinformation, ensuring responsible use of artificial intelligence in media spaces, and protecting journalists, particularly in conflict situations, in line with global initiatives tied to the World Press Freedom Day theme.
Reaffirming its commitment to promoting legislative reforms and monitoring press freedom violations, the organisation expressed solidarity with journalists across Nigeria and worldwide who continue to risk their lives in pursuit of truth and accountability.
“A free press is not a luxury; it is a necessity for democracy, development, and peace,” the statement emphasised, calling for renewed national commitment to defending press freedom.
