Stakeholders seek stronger civic space, media freedom

Stakeholders in Nigeria’s democratic space have called for stronger protection of civic space and medi.a freedom, stressing the need for dialogue, collaboration and lawful engagement among state and non-state actors. The call was made on Thursday at a multi-stakeholders’ roundtable on strengthening civic space advocacy and media engagement, organised by the Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI) […]

Stakeholders in Nigeria’s democratic space have called for stronger protection of civic space and medi.a freedom, stressing the need for dialogue, collaboration and lawful engagement among state and non-state actors.

The call was made on Thursday at a multi-stakeholders’ roundtable on strengthening civic space advocacy and media engagement, organised by the Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI) in Abuja.

The Executive Director of KDI, Mr Bukola Idowu, said democracy was sustained not only through elections but also through daily civic participation, responsible media practice and transparent institutions.

He described the media as critical to shaping public perception and amplifying civic voices within the bounds of the law.

“Strengthening this democratic ecosystem is our shared responsibility,” Idowu said.

He explained that the roundtable brought together policymakers, security agencies, human rights bodies, the media and civil society organisations to deepen mutual understanding, particularly on how laws such as the Public Order Act are interpreted and applied in relation to rights to peaceful assembly, expression and association.

In a goodwill message, the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, represented by the ministry’s Information Officer, Mr Otunyemi Adetayo, urged stakeholders to work together to safeguard civic space through lawful engagement, mutual respect and constitutional principles.

He emphasised the importance of protecting journalists, noting that media practitioners must carry out their lawful duties without intimidation, harassment or unlawful detention.

Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, Dr Anthony Ojukwu, represented by Mrs Fatima Mohammed, warned that a shrinking civic space posed a threat to national development, citing cases of journalist intimidation and suppression of citizens’ voices.

The Inspector-General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, represented by ASP Olamiju Olubumi, said national security was a shared responsibility and welcomed collaboration to improve police–civic relations.

The Executive Director of Spaces for Change, Mrs Victoria Ibezim-Ohaeri, represented by Ms Judith Chiamaka, described the dialogue as timely, noting that sustained engagement was key to protecting civic and digital rights.