Report By: Bunmi Yekini
In a move to bolster the safety and professionalism of journalists in Nigeria, Media Rights Agenda (MRA) hosted a comprehensive two-day workshop focusing on the legal frameworks governing the media and the critical issue of journalists’ safety. Held on August 6-7, 2024, at Celia’s Suite Hotel in Abeokuta, Ogun State, the event brought together about 30 media professionals from the broadcast, print, and online sectors across the South West geo-political zone.
The workshop aimed to provide journalists with an in-depth understanding of the legal environment affecting their profession, offer practical advice on complying with media-related laws, and create a collaborative platform to address the challenges they face. Key topics included national, regional, and international legal frameworks on freedom of expression, media freedom, and journalists’ safety.
In its communiqué, the workshop emphasized the crucial need for journalists to be well-versed in the laws and regulations governing the media to carry out their duties without fear. “It is imperative that journalists are knowledgeable about laws and regulations affecting the media and the practice of journalism, as well as the Code of Ethics for Nigerian Journalists, to report ethically and professionally,” the document noted.
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Participants were encouraged to continuously update their knowledge of these legal instruments, comply with ethical standards, and be proactive in avoiding legal pitfalls. The workshop also highlighted the necessity for regular training and sensitization workshops to keep journalists informed of the evolving legal landscape.
A significant part of the discussion focused on the absence of strong legal guarantees for media freedom in Nigeria’s Constitution and existing laws. The participants expressed concern that this lack of protection leaves journalists vulnerable to various forms of harassment and attacks, particularly when reporting on sensitive issues.
The communique called for urgent constitutional amendments to safeguard media freedom, stating, “Any future constitutional amendment exercise should prioritize the inclusion of guarantees of media freedom in the Constitution.” It also recommended that existing laws, such as the Criminal Code and the Cybercrimes Act, be revised to align with international standards that protect media freedom.
In light of the increasing digital threats to journalism, the workshop underscored the importance of digital security measures. Participants acknowledged the growing risks associated with digital journalism, including unauthorized access to information and cyber-attacks, and stressed the need for journalists to adopt robust digital hygiene practices.
“The responsibility that journalists and other media professionals have for implementing digital security measures and maintaining appropriate digital hygiene is paramount to ensure they can continue their work safely,” the communiqué stressed. Journalists were urged to fully utilize available security tools and techniques to safeguard their digital assets and protect confidential sources.
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The workshop participants strongly condemned the widespread harassment, brutalization, and intimidation of journalists, especially those covering the #EndBadGovernance protests. The communiqué described such actions, often perpetrated by law enforcement and security officials, as a blatant violation of journalists’ rights.
“The right of journalists to cover protests, whether violent or not, and to report reactions to protests by government officials and other actors, is well-established and protected under international human rights laws,” the communiqué stated. Participants called on both Federal and State governments to fulfill their obligations to protect journalists and to ensure that those responsible for attacks against them are held accountable.
In response to the numerous legal challenges faced by journalists, the workshop called for greater collaboration among media organizations to address common threats and to provide mutual support. Media owners and managers were urged to be more responsive to the needs and welfare of their staff, particularly when facing legal challenges or other work-related issues.
The establishment of a legal support fund and a national network of lawyers was proposed as a vital step in assisting journalists facing legal challenges. “Given the scale of legal challenges, a legal support fund should be established, alongside a national network of lawyers who can be called upon to assist journalists,” the communiqué recommended.
The workshop concluded with participants expressing gratitude to Media Rights Agenda for organizing the event, and to the MacArthur Foundation and the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism for their support. Participants committed to applying the knowledge and strategies gained from the workshop to enhance their professional practice and to advocate for a more supportive legal and regulatory environment for the media in Nigeria.
Adopted in Abeokuta on Wednesday, the 7th Day of August, 2024, the communiqué represents a collective resolve to address the pressing legal and safety challenges facing journalists in Nigeria.