Experts have called for urgent reforms in Nigeria to surmount challenges relating to press freedom.
The 6th Bagauda Kaltho Media Lecture, organized by the Africa Media Development Foundation (AMDF), spotlighted the alarming state of press freedom across Africa.
Held virtually, the event brought together media professionals, academics, and civil society representatives to discuss the pressing theme, “Censorship and State Control: Analysis of Countries with Severe Press Freedom Restrictions.”
Named in memory of James Bagauda Kaltho, a courageous Nigerian journalist who mysteriously disappeared in 1996, the annual lecture aims to advocate for a free and independent media. This year, Dr. Samson Omosotomhe from Ambrose Alli University presented a sobering paper that detailed how media in Africa faces increasing challenges, stifled by oppressive government actions and legislation that hinder democratic progress.
Dr. Omosotomhe’s analysis underscored that while there has been some advancement in media freedoms across the continent, these gains are constantly undermined by draconian measures. “The media in Africa continues to face serious challenges, inhibiting the growth of a democratic culture,” he noted. “The political repression, authoritarian regimes, and legal restrictions serve to limit journalists’ ability to report freely.”
The statistics revealed during the lecture paint a grim picture: journalists in numerous African nations are battling heightened censorship and state control, which increasingly jeopardizes their safety and professional integrity. Journalists from Kenya, South Sudan, and Somalia shared firsthand accounts of the pervasive restrictions they face, emphasizing the urgent need for collective action to protect press freedoms.
The discussion highlighted a troubling trend where financial pressures on media outlets, reliant on corporate funding, lead to a form of corporate censorship that stifles investigative journalism. “The quest for survival often means turning a blind eye to corporate malfeasance,” one journalist lamented.
In response to the alarming conditions facing the press, participants unanimously advocated for a comprehensive strategy to improve media freedom. Recommendations included fostering collaboration among civil society organizations, NGOs, and media practitioners to advocate for press rights and monitor violations. Legal support for journalists facing threats was also emphasized, with calls for pro-bono assistance from senior advocates to combat governmental excesses.
The need for legislative reform was a significant theme, as participants urged the identification of pro-democracy lawmakers who could champion press-friendly laws. Additionally, establishing safety nets for journalists, including emergency funds and mental health support, was deemed essential to safeguard those working in high-risk environments.
Another critical aspect discussed was the need for justice for slain journalists. Participants called upon the Attorney General of the Federation to act on a recent court ruling that demanded the reopening of investigations into the killings of journalists, including that of Bagauda Kaltho.
Further recommendations included decriminalizing journalism, enhancing protections against harassment and violence, promoting media pluralism, and fostering transparency in governance. The international community was urged to provide support for local media initiatives and advocate for press freedom in African nations.
The event concluded with a call for enhanced media literacy among the public to combat disinformation and bolster independent journalism. As the dialogue unfolded, it became clear that the fight for press freedom in Africa is far from over, but the collective resolve of stakeholders offers a beacon of hope for a more open and accountable media landscape.
