Editors seek information ministry’s collaboration on media laws review

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) yesterday submitted a proposal to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris seeking his support for the amendment of anti-media laws affecting the optimum performance of journalists in Nigeria. The content of the proposal captured the findings of a panel set up by the Guild in 2024, […]

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) yesterday submitted a proposal to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris seeking his support for the amendment of anti-media laws affecting the optimum performance of journalists in Nigeria.

The content of the proposal captured the findings of a panel set up by the Guild in 2024, to scrutinize laws in Nigeria that are perceived as restricting media freedom.

The panel was set up by the Eze Anaba led NGE, and chaired by veteran journalists Richard Akinnola.

It examined existing legislation and proposed bills, particularly those that impinge on the ability of journalists to report freely and ethically.

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The initiative was a response to growing concerns about the use of laws like the Cybercrime Act, which has been used to prosecute journalists for online publications. Section 24 of the Cybercrime Act, for example, criminalizes the publication of messages deemed “grossly offensive” or “menacing,” carrying penalties of hefty fines or imprisonment.

At the presentation to the minister yesterday, the NGE president, represented by his deputy, Sabastine Abu in company of the General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, other executive members and fellows of the Guild called for the support of the ministry of information in pushing for the amendment or repeal of some of the laws.

 Anaba said similar presentation will be made to the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi and the National Assembly.

 Akinnola, who chaired the committee that scrutinised the contentious laws, took time and explain why the government needed to act now in order to further safeguard and deepen democracy in the country.

Responding, the Minister of Information commended the initiative, noting that the Guild’s move aligns with the Tinubu administration’s commitment to fostering a free press—anchored on responsibility and global best practices.

He said there was never a time when President Bola Tinubu directed anyone to stifle media freedom, and called on journalists to reciprocate the gesture by amplifying the truth and promoting achievements of the government.

Both parties agreed that building a robust, responsible, and responsive media ecosystem is vital to the country’s democratic and developmental aspirations.