The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called for zero tolerance against attacks on journalists and media organizations in Nigeria, warning that threats to press freedom pose a serious danger to democratic governance and citizens' rights.
Speaking to mark the 2026 World Press Freedom Day, commemorated annually on May 3, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu (SAN), declared that a free and independent press remains the lifeblood of every thriving democracy. In a statement issued on Sunday, the senior lawyer and human rights advocate stressed that there is a direct link between press freedom, accountability, transparency, and citizen participation in governance.
According to him, societies where the media operates freely are better positioned to deepen democratic values and protect human rights. Ojukwu maintained that press freedom is not a privilege but a constitutional right guaranteed under Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, as well as regional and international human rights instruments binding on Nigeria. He warned that every attack on journalists amounts to an attack on democracy itself and undermines the public's right to information.
The NHRC boss expressed concern over what he described as persistent cases of intimidation, arbitrary arrests, assaults, and online harassment targeting journalists across the country. He also condemned incidents involving the killing of media practitioners in the line of duty, noting that such violations create fear and encourage self-censorship among journalists.
He disclosed that the Commission has begun systematic tracking and documentation of press freedom violations nationwide, adding that the outcome of the exercise would be made public to strengthen accountability and advocacy for journalists' protection. Ojukwu further urged governments, security agencies, and non-state actors to desist from actions capable of obstructing lawful media activities. He called for prompt and transparent investigations into attacks against journalists, insisting that perpetrators must face justice.
“Silence in the face of attacks on journalists emboldens further violations and erodes public trust,” he stated. The NHRC Executive Secretary also encouraged journalists to uphold ethical standards and remain committed to truth and public interest reporting, while urging Nigerians to collectively defend press freedom as a cornerstone of democracy and protection of fundamental rights.
