Editors, SERAP urge FG to safeguard press freedom, tackle insecurity

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE) have urged the administration of President Tinubu, alongside state governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, to guarantee press freedom and take urgent steps to address rising insecurity and human rights violations across the country. In a joint statement […]

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE) have urged the administration of President Tinubu, alongside state governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, to guarantee press freedom and take urgent steps to address rising insecurity and human rights violations across the country.

In a joint statement issued on Saturday ahead of World Press Freedom Day, the groups warned that the erosion of media independence and increasing threats to journalists are worsening governance challenges and undermining efforts to restore peace, particularly in parts of northern Nigeria, including Benue, Plateau, Borno, Sokoto and Kwara states.

The organisations stressed that protecting journalists and ensuring the integrity of information are central to achieving peace, security and democratic stability. They argued that any effective response to insecurity must incorporate support for a free, independent and pluralistic media, alongside humanitarian and economic measures.

According to the statement, weakening journalism through intimidation, repression or impunity enables corruption, reduces accountability and fuels the spread of misinformation. It added that such conditions often heighten tensions and contribute to broader insecurity.

SERAP and NGE expressed concern over what they described as widespread killings, abductions, sexual violence and destruction of property, which they said have displaced millions and left communities without adequate protection or access to justice.

They attributed the situation to systemic failures by authorities to prevent attacks, investigate violations and prosecute those responsible, noting that the trend reflects a broader governance and accountability crisis.

The groups said the developments amount to violations of Nigeria’s obligations under domestic and international law, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

They further referenced Sections 22 and 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, which mandate the media to hold government accountable and guarantee freedom of expression, stressing that authorities have a duty not only to refrain from interference but also to actively protect journalists.

Among their recommendations, SERAP and NGE called for strengthened security measures in high-risk areas, transparent and independent investigations into reported abuses, and the prosecution of perpetrators and their sponsors. They also urged improved transparency in security operations and the establishment of mechanisms to document incidents and ensure accountability.

The organisations further called on the government to invite relevant mandate holders from the United Nations Human Rights Council and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights to conduct fact-finding missions in affected regions.

They also urged the National Assembly to convene a public hearing on insecurity and attacks on journalists, in line with its constitutional oversight responsibilities, to strengthen accountability and legislative safeguards.

The groups appealed to the international community to sustain pressure on Nigerian authorities to uphold human rights, protect journalists and adopt long-term, rights-based approaches to addressing insecurity.

The statement was signed by SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare and NGE General Secretary Onuoha Ukeh.