By Philomina Brando
Media stakeholders, human rights advocates and government officials on Thursday called for stronger protection of press freedom and journalists’ rights as Nigeria joined the global community to mark World Press Freedom Day 2026 in Abuja.
The event, held at the Abuja Continental Hotel, drew journalists, civil society groups, development partners and government representatives under the theme, “Shaping a Future at Peace: Promoting Press Freedom for Human Rights, Development and Security.”
Speaking, Moritz Sprenker described journalism as a cornerstone of democratic societies, stressing that press freedom extends beyond the media and directly affects human rights, development and stability.
“Press freedom is not something that can be taken for granted. It depends on people who are willing to uphold it daily with professional integrity and commitment,” he said.
Sprenker noted that societies where journalists operate freely are better positioned to manage crises and social change, warning that suppression of the press fuels misinformation and instability.
Also speaking, Dapo Olorunyomi said the event honoured generations of Nigerian journalists who contributed to expanding free expression, while lamenting growing threats to democratic institutions and the rise of misinformation.
He identified challenges in Nigeria’s media space, including outdated laws, regulatory overreach and shrinking civic space.
“History teaches us that peace cannot endure where truth is silenced, and development cannot flourish where expression is restrained,” he said.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, Tony Ojukwu, described press freedom as a fundamental pillar of democracy and accountability.
He warned that intimidation of journalists and restrictions on civic space remain major concerns.
“A society where journalists are silenced cannot genuinely claim to be democratic or secure,” he said.
Ojukwu added that the commission would continue to monitor violations against journalists and advocate legal reforms, while urging media professionals to uphold ethical standards.
“Freedom of expression must never be weaponised to incite violence or threaten national peace,” he added.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to media freedom within the bounds of national security.
He said the government was investing in digital innovation and reforms to improve governance and public participation.
“Peace and democracy cannot flourish where truth is suppressed, and human rights cannot thrive where information is manipulated,” he said.
The minister also urged journalists to guard against fake news, hate speech and divisive narratives.
The event was organised by the National Human Rights Commission and the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development, with support from Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung.