By George Ozalla
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called for zero tolerance against violations targeted at journalists and media organisations in Nigeria, stressing that press freedom remains central to the survival of democracy.
Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Dr Tony Ojukwu, made the call as Nigeria joined the rest of the world to mark the 2026 World Press Freedom Day, observed annually on May 3.
In a statement signed by the Director, Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, Ojukwu said a free, independent and pluralistic media is indispensable to the protection of human rights and the deepening of democratic governance, noting that there is a direct link between press freedom and accountability in any society.
He explained that where the media operates without undue interference, transparency is strengthened and citizens are better positioned to participate meaningfully in governance.
The Commission’s boss described press freedom as a fundamental right guaranteed under Section 39 of the Constitution, as well as under various regional and international human rights instruments to which Nigeria is a signatory. He added that any threat against journalists amounts to an attack on democracy and the public’s right to information.
Ojukwu expressed concern over recurring cases of intimidation, arbitrary arrests, physical assaults and online harassment of journalists across the country. He also decried incidents involving the killing of media professionals in the line of duty, warning that such developments create a climate of fear capable of weakening democratic discourse.
He disclosed that the NHRC has begun systematic tracking and documentation of press freedom violations nationwide, with findings to be made public as part of efforts to strengthen accountability and evidence-based advocacy.
Ojukwu urged government at all levels, security agencies and non-state actors to refrain from actions that hinder the lawful duties of the media, while calling on law enforcement agencies to ensure thorough investigation and prosecution of perpetrators of attacks on journalists.
He maintained that failure to act decisively against such violations encourages further abuse and undermines public trust in institutions.
The Executive Secretary also urged journalists to uphold ethical standards in the discharge of their duties and encouraged Nigerians to defend press freedom as a shared responsibility essential to safeguarding all other rights.
World Press Freedom Day is observed globally to highlight the importance of a free press and to draw attention to challenges facing journalists, particularly in emerging democracies.
