Journalism - NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Tosin Kolade
May, Wed, 2025

Championing ethical journalism in a press freedom era

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By Collins Yakubu-Hammer, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

In any democracy, the media serves as both a watchdog and a voice for the people.

However, in Nigeria, the balance between press freedom and journalistic responsibility continues to ignite serious debate.

Nigeria ranks 112th on the 2024 World Press Freedom Index, reflecting the challenging environment in which journalists operate.

In 2024 alone, security agencies were responsible for 45 out of 69 documented attacks on journalists, accounting for approximately 65 per cent of these incidents.

Moreover, between July and October 2024, 90 cases of press violations were reported, underscoring the worrisome rise in press freedom violations, and attributed to state actors.

In spite amendments to the Cybercrime Act, the law continues to be used to intimidate journalists.

In February 2024, for instance, four journalists were charged under this Act for reporting on alleged financial mismanagement at Kwara State Polytechnic.

Furthermore, the persistent practice of “brown envelope journalism”, where some journalists accept monetary inducements for favourable coverage remains widespread.

Stakeholders believe that this unethical practice undermines journalistic integrity, often attributed to low remuneration and delayed salaries.

Government censorship further exacerbates the situation.

In May 2024, authorities banned the broadcast of a song critical of President Bola Tinubu, citing a violation of public decency.

This action was condemned by human rights organisations as an abuse of power and a violation of artistic freedom.

Albeit these challenges, journalists continue to play an important role in holding those in power to account.

One widely cited expert on irresponsible journalism is Prof. Wole Soyinka, Nobel Laureate and media critic, who has repeatedly warned against the dangers of unethical reporting.

In a 2019 public lecture, he stated: “Irresponsible journalism is as dangerous as fake news; it poisons the public mind and erodes trust in institutions”.

He stressed that while press freedom is vital, it must be matched with a commitment to truth, fairness, and public interest.

“Freedom of the press is fundamentally defined as the right to communicate and express ideas through various media, including printed and electronic platforms, without undue government interference.

“However, it is crucial to note that press freedom is not absolute. Just as the law curtails actions like libel and obscenity, it should equally regulate the spread of misinformation”.

The Nigerian Constitution, in Section 22, grants the media the responsibility of holding the government accountable, thus recognising the media as the fourth estate of the realm.

Similarly, Section 39(1) of the Constitution guarantees every individual the right to freedom of expression, including the right to seek, receive, and impart information.

In the U.S, press freedom was enshrined in the First Amendment of the Constitution in 1787.

Nevertheless, this does not mean press freedom is without limits.ERE

For example, the 1990s saw the passing of the Espionage and Sedition Acts, which placed restrictions on freedom of speech.

Additionally, in 1969, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that publications inciting imminent lawless action could be prohibited.

While press freedom is a cornerstone of any democracy, the question must be asked: should press freedom serve as a licence to spread misinformation, disinformation, and falsehoods?

This issue stems from the misconception among some citizen journalists and media outlets that freedom of speech permits the publication of any content, regardless of its credibility or propriety.

This, however, is a misinterpretation of the right.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, recently emphasised that Nigeria, under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, boasts one of the freest press freedoms in its history.

“We have press freedom; it is the responsibility of every government to protect it. However, I must stress that freedom of expression carries enormous responsibility.

“You cannot publish falsehoods and claim to be exercising press freedom. Press freedom is only valid when you speak the truth,” he stated.

He continued, “President Tinubu, as a foremost democrat, is fully committed to safeguarding constitutionally guaranteed rights for all Nigerians.

“He also encourages constructive criticism and healthy opposition, essential for strengthening our democratic framework.

“I reaffirm that President Tinubu’s administration remains dedicated to upholding press freedom and creating an enabling environment for media practice in Nigeria”.

Idris also warned media practitioners to be patriotic, urging them not to cede their platforms to criminals who spread fake news.

“We have a duty to deny them space. All media organisations must refuse to provide a platform for the dissemination of fake news,” he stressed.

“I call on the media to promote media literacy to identify and punish the purveyors of fake news”.

Furthermore, communication experts argue that media spaces should not serve as outlets for fake news and misinformation.

According to them, there are reports of some individuals exploiting press freedom to incite religious, ethnic, or communal conflicts through negative and false reporting.

Corroborating this stance, the Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Communication and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, recently responded to viral fake news about the sacking of three ministers.

“Security agencies must act urgently against fake news websites and platforms, and those who fail to verify the authenticity of stories before allowing them to go viral.

“Press freedom cannot exist when false narratives are concocted without regard for truth”.

The Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Rep. Akintunde Rotimi Jr, has also called for media discipline and regulation.

He noted that the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), in spite being over 70 years old, lacks the capacity to address the spread of fake news among its members.

“There are media practitioners who, consciously, abandon caution and spread fake news,” he added.

Similarly, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Press Council, Dr Dili Ezughah, recently highlighted the theme of the 2025 World Press Freedom Day: “Navigating the AI Frontier: Strengthening Press Freedom in Nigeria’s Digital Transformation”.

According to him, the theme underscores the need to examine how artificial intelligence is reshaping the media landscape and the implications it holds for press freedom in the digital age.

Ezughah acknowledged the vast opportunities AI presents for enhancing investigative journalism, data analysis, and content creation.

However, he stressed the importance of deploying these technologies responsibly, ensuring that human oversight and ethical considerations are at the forefront.

“Journalists must uphold the highest ethical standards and verify all content, particularly in an era where deepfakes and synthetic media can undermine public trust,” he said.

In the same vein, the NUJ National President, Alhassan Yahaya has also emphasised that press freedom is essential for good governance, transparency, and national development.

He called for greater collaboration with both the public and private sectors to strengthen press freedom and uphold the media’s vital role in promoting good governance.

Additionally, NUJ FCT Chairperson, Grace Ike, has reaffirmed that press freedom is a fundamental right, not a privilege.

She praised journalists for their role in society and urged the government to prioritise media workers’ welfare, especially amid insecurity and economic challenges.

Ike also called on journalists to uphold ethical standards, advocate for better working conditions, and continue holding leaders accountable.

According to her, the media must amplify the voices of the vulnerable and defend democratic values.

While countries like Nigeria have laws against libel, hate speech, and cyberbullying to curb misinformation, observers note that no government will tolerate the abuse of press freedom for destructive ends.

They insisted that press freedom must be exercised with responsibility and integrity, cautioning journalists against using it to spread falsehoods or undermine national unity.

Ultimately, a balanced approach is needed, one that safeguards press freedom while promoting ethical journalism in the public interest. (NANFeatures)

***If used, please credit the writer and the News Agency of Nigeria.

Why Nigeria must launch massive digital vital registration campaign

Ismail Abdulaziz
Jan, Mon, 2025

Science & Tech

Why Nigeria must launch massive digital vital registration campaign

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By Ibukun Emiola, News Agency of Nigeria

Paul Okunola had lost his mother and needed a death certificate to process her benefits from the government. His mother served in the civil service until her death.

“I got a paper copy of the death registration needed to obtain the death certificate from the hospital where my mother was treated before her demise,” Okunola said.

Luckily he got the certificate but Okunola was expecting the details of her mother digitized and accessible from the health facility she died at but that wasn’t the case.

“But it would be more beneficial if the process can be digitised and secure such that it will be without compromise and one can access with evidence of being a next of kin,” he said.

But Nigeria has a bigger problem. Only a handful of Nigerians are aware of the importance of vital registration.

Vital registration covers accumulated data gathered on live birth, death, migration, foetal deaths, marriages and divorce.

According to UNICEF, without legal proof of identity, millions of children born today do not ‘officially’ exist.

Similarly, without records on deaths and migration, adequate planning and implementation of policies would be in jeopardy.

Need to Accelerate Digital Vital Registration in Nigeria

A researcher, Mrs Modupe Olusolape, said the awareness created on the need for Nigerians to have their vital registration done has been very poor.

“The question on why vital registration exists, how to register and where to register is still unanswered for many people,” Olusolape said.

According to her, if Nigerians are aware of how their vital registration is tied to identity then the system for such a database needs to be strengthened such that there will be no identity fraud or any cyber security issues.

“Sufficient information dissemination needs to take place so that people who are having children or losing loved ones know and so on would know why they should record such information with the government.

“Then the government should tell them where to do it and make the process easy for them so that the data can be used for economic planning and engender digital transformation,” she said.

Also a data analyst, Mr Oluwaleke Oni, said digitising vital registration in Nigeria would be a transformative step towards national development, fostering efficiency, inclusivity, and transparency.

According to him, by modernising how life events are recorded, the country can improve accessibility, ensure data accuracy, and unlock benefits that strengthen governance, boost economic growth, and promote social equity.

He, however, said that achieving this vision would require investment in infrastructure, capacity building, public awareness, and robust cyber security measures.

“With a comprehensive strategy, digitisation will empower citizens, strengthen institutions, and drive digital transformation progress across all sectors of society,” Oni said.

A Health Consultant, Mr Yemi Osanyin, said digitalising vital registration is the way to go as data is critical to Nigeria’s development and growth from birth registration to death and other vital areas.

He noted that efforts have been made to ensure the digitalisation of vital records in Nigeria to support developmental projects and better identify people.

The pace of digitalisation of vital registration processes has been slow though and serious challenges of lack of interoperability still exist.

Government efforts on online birth registration

Around September 2024, the government kicked off online registration of births across the country but the awareness is very poor as many Nigerians do not know about the online records.

The birth certificate issuance officer at Ologuneru Primary Health Centre in Ibadan, Oyo State, said those who want to register their wards’ birth would have to go to the designated centres assigned for the purpose.

According to him, the National Population Commission (NPC) has offices across all the local government areas in Oyo State but it is only at the designated centres that the online birth registration can be done.

For instance, in Ido Local Government Area (LGA) only four centres have been designated.

This in a way serves as a barrier to digital transformation as in the whole of Ido LGA with the land mass and population put at 986 square kilometres and 103,261 respectively, four centres proves insufficient for online birth registration.

On the self-service option provided by NPC there are 10 steps to follow with three criteria which include that the child must be born in Nigeria, the child must have a National Identification Number (NIN) and at least one parent must be Nigerian and have a valid birth certificate.

But how many Nigerians can go through with these procedures with a digital literacy ratio put at about 50 to 60 per cent out of a 230 million population. So far the policy lacks inclusivity, experts have argued.

An NPC officer-in-Charge at Ido LGA, Mr Sola Oguntowo, said the digitalisation had started since last year but they have not yet been issuing the certificate.

He noted that there has been provision for those who need the birth certificate for other purposes otherwise they can get the manual birth certificate.

“People can do the birth registration of their wards at these four centres Ido PHC on Tuesday and Wednesday which are the immunisation days.

He noted that the commission also go to private hospitals to get babies registered but the main place to register were the four aforementioned PHCs.

Oguntowo said the digitalisation started last year but the records could not be accessed by people.

“The database of births is being created for now. We only register them online, access to the data collected is restricted,” he said.

But what happened to those who give birth at places other than the hospital or those who died not having the privilege of medical care in a hospital in either public or private facilities?

These issues among others continued to bother experts who believed the government should rise to take issues of vital registration as crucial and pivotal to security and development for digital public infrastructure in the country. (NAN)

“This report is produced under the DPI Africa Journalism Fellowship Programme of the Media Foundation for West Africa and Co-Develop.”