The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has voiced its concerns over the increasing number of “anti-media laws” in the country, warning of their detrimental effects on journalism and freedom of expression.
In a statement issued by the NGE’s General Secretary, Iyobosa Uwugiaren, on Sunday in Abuja, the guild expressed its apprehension regarding the negative impact these laws could have on the media’s ability to hold the government accountable. Uwugiaren noted that some of these laws, many inherited from the colonial era, are now being used to undermine transparency and accountability at all levels of government.
“The existence of anti-media laws makes it increasingly difficult for journalists to hold those in power accountable, allowing corruption and abuse of power to go unchecked,” Uwugiaren said. “These laws also restrict Nigerians’ ability to express their opinions freely and engage in meaningful public discourse, thus undermining the fundamental right to free speech.”
In response to these concerns, the NGE has established a five-man committee to engage with the National Assembly, the Federal Ministry of Information, the Attorney-General of the Federation, and other stakeholders. The committee’s goal is to advocate for the amendment or outright repeal of these laws, ensuring a more favorable legal environment for media practice in the country.
