Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

The International Press Centre (IPC) has called for renewed commitment to strengthening press freedom in Nigeria, as it joined the global community to mark World Press Freedom Day 2026.

KANO FOCUS reports that the appeal was made in a statement issued on Saturday by IPC’s Press Freedom Officer, Melody Akinjiyan to commemorate the annual event, themed “Shaping a Future at Peace.”

According to the organisation, the theme highlights the crucial role of a free, independent, and responsible media in promoting peace, democratic governance, and social cohesion.

World Press Freedom Day, proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993, is observed every May 3 to remind governments of their obligation to uphold press freedom and ensure a safe environment for journalists.

The IPC disclosed that in 2025, it documented at least 23 cases of attacks involving 28 journalists and two media organisations across Nigeria. The incidents ranged from threats to life, abduction, unlawful arrest, harassment, and physical assault to, in some cases, murder.

A breakdown of the data showed that 23 of the affected journalists were male, three female, while two cases did not specify gender. By media platform, online journalists recorded the highest number of attacks with 16 cases, followed by broadcast media with 10, and print with one.

Speaking on the significance of the theme, IPC Executive Director Lanre Arogundade said the media remains a vital pillar of truth and accountability, particularly in a world grappling with conflict, misinformation, and political instability.

“At a time when the world faces growing threats to civic space, journalism plays a key role in amplifying marginalised voices, countering disinformation, and enabling informed public discourse,” he said.

Arogundade, however, expressed concern over increasing risks faced by journalists, including harassment, unlawful detention, and violent attacks, noting that such threats undermine both press freedom and citizens’ access to credible information.

He called on governments, security agencies, and other stakeholders to prioritise the safety of journalists and ensure accountability for crimes against media professionals.

The IPC also stressed the need for ethical journalism and responsible reporting, particularly in conflict-sensitive situations, urging media practitioners to uphold professionalism, accuracy, and fairness while tackling misinformation and hate speech.

As part of activities marking the day, the organisation announced the launch of a new publication titled *“The Unseen Enablers,”* produced with support from the International Freedom of Expression Exchange.

The report examines the role of non-state actors in undermining press freedom and the safety of journalists in Nigeria, highlighting how such actors impede access to information and the dissemination of news.

IPC said the publication is aimed at fostering greater awareness and encouraging collaborative efforts to address challenges posed by these “unseen enablers” to a free and safe media environment.

The organisation urged governments, civil society groups, media owners, and the international community to work together to build a media landscape that supports peace, justice, and inclusive development.

“A peaceful future is only possible where the press is free, voices are heard, and truth prevails,” the statement added.