Nigeria's Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to press freedom and journalist safety as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections. The pledge was made by Information Minister Mohammed Idris during a meeting with the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Abuja on May 4, 2026, according to a statement from the Ministry of Information.
Idris stated that the government would ensure a safe environment for journalists to operate, emphasizing that press freedom is essential for democracy. He noted that the government is working on measures to address attacks on journalists and to uphold the principles of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression.
However, the United Nations has expressed concern over the safety of journalists in Nigeria. In a report released in April 2026, the UN noted that 85% of crimes against journalists in the country go unpunished, highlighting impunity as a major challenge. The report also documented at least 12 attacks on journalists in the first quarter of 2026 alone.
The NUJ has welcomed the government's commitment but called for concrete actions, including the prosecution of those responsible for attacks on journalists and the implementation of the 2022 National Policy on Safety of Journalists. The union also urged the government to ensure that the 2027 elections are free and fair, with unfettered access for the media.
