The Nigerian Guild of Editors has announced the formation of a five-member committee to advocate for the repeal or amendment to anti-media laws in Nigeria.
These laws, which the NGE describes as “obnoxious,” have been criticised for undermining press freedom, democracy, and transparency.
In a statement jointly signed by its President, Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Dr. Iyobosa Uwugiaren, the Guild expressed concern over the chilling effects these laws have on accountability and free speech.
The newly formed committee includes pro-media rights activist and NGE member, Richard Akinnola; lawyer and former Editor of The PUNCH, Gbemiga Ogunleye; former Editor-In-Chief and Managing Director of The Guardian, Martins Oloja; Deputy Editor-In-Chief and Chairman of the Editorial Board of Daily Trust, Idris Hamza; and the General Secretary of the NGE, Dr. Iyobosa Uwugiaren.
The committee will work with the Minister of Information and National Orientation, the National Assembly, the Attorney-General of the Federation, and other stakeholders to initiate reforms aimed at protecting press freedom.
The NGE highlighted the damaging effects of these laws, many of which date back to colonial times.
According to the Guild, these legislations restrict press freedom, making it difficult for journalists to hold the government accountable, while also limiting access to information and undermining public participation in democracy.
They suppress dissenting voices, including opposition parties, civil society organizations, and activists, eroding public trust in democratic institutions and empowering the political elite to control narratives.
The NGE said, “We are concerned about the negative impact of this plethora of obnoxious laws; some of them were enacted by the colonial government, which today are undermining accountability and transparency at all levels of government. Anti-media laws can make it more difficult for journalists to hold those in power accountable, allowing corruption and abuse of power to go unchecked.
“These anti-media laws also have the capacity to restrict the ability of Nigerians to express their opinions and participate in robust public conversation that is capable of undermining the fundamental right to free speech.’’
The Guild warned that anti-media laws can create an environment conducive to authoritarianism, which poses a significant threat to democratic stability and good governance.
While Nigeria has a Freedom of Information Act, the NGE argued that anti-media laws severely limit its effectiveness, preventing citizens from making informed decisions.
The committee will engage with government agencies and stakeholders to identify and address laws that stifle press freedom and free speech. T
The NGE emphasised its commitment to fostering an enabling environment for democracy, good governance, and accountability in line with the federal government’s agenda.
