The International Press Institute (IPI) urged the Nigerian government to protect press freedom in a statement issued on Saturday to commemorate World Press Freedom Day.
Read the full statement below:
As we celebrate World Press Freedom Day, the Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria) joins journalists in Nigeria and worldwide in commemorating this important occasion. We urge our colleagues to reaffirm their commitment to professional journalism.
We call on the federal and state governments, as well as their agencies, to uphold press freedom by removing all obstacles to journalism practice in Nigeria.
Specifically, we urge security agencies to refrain from using the Cybercrimes Act to intimidate and harass journalists. Instead, they should protect journalists and press freedom, as a thriving press is essential for a better society.
We commend journalists who continue to work professionally despite threats and challenges.
We also urge employers to provide fair remuneration, as unpaid salaries and poor pay threaten press freedom.
May 3rd every year marks a global celebration of press freedom principles, assessing media freedom worldwide, and honoring journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
IPI Nigeria remains committed to defending media freedom and supporting independent journalism wherever it is threatened.
Tobi Soniyi, Legal Adviser, IPI Nigeria &
Chairman Advocacy Committee
Ochiaka Ugwu
Secretary, Advocacy Committee.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
IPI Nigeria’s statement on World Press Freedom Day is a clarion call to address the multifaceted threats to press freedom in Nigeria, from legal and security challenges to economic pressures.
By urging the government to remove obstacles, criticizing the misuse of the Cybercrimes Act, and highlighting the need for fair remuneration, the statement tackles both immediate and structural issues facing Nigerian journalists.
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