Harassment, Intimidation, Prosecution: NGE Warns of Mounting Pressure on Journalists

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has raised concerns over what it described as increasing harassment, intimidation and prosecution of journalists by security agencies, warning that the trend could undermine press freedom and legitimate journalism in Nigeria.

The guild made its position known in a communiqué issued in Kano after a meeting of its standing committee. The statement was signed by NGE President Eze Anaba and General Secretary Onuoha Ukeh.

The editors expressed particular concern about the use of cybercrime legislation and other laws in actions against journalists while carrying out their professional duties.

According to the NGE, the growing use of such legal provisions in dealings with journalists has created concerns about violations of press freedom and the ability of media practitioners to perform their work without intimidation.

The guild urged governments at all levels to respect press freedom, describing it as a fundamental pillar of democracy and good governance.

It also called for greater engagement between government authorities and the media, arguing that disputes involving published reports should be addressed through established channels rather than threats or intimidation.

The editors pointed to the Media Ombudsman as one avenue available for resolving complaints involving the media. The mechanism was jointly established by the Newspapers Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN), Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) and Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP).

The NGE urged aggrieved individuals and institutions to use the platform instead of resorting to measures that could place journalists under pressure.

The guild’s concerns come as the media continues to play a central role in reporting government activities, public institutions and political developments across the country.

The editors also turned their attention to the 2027 general election, calling on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other agencies involved in the electoral process to provide a level playing field for all political parties.

The NGE said both ruling and opposition parties should be treated without bias or discrimination, while political campaigns should focus on issues and avoid inflammatory rhetoric.

According to the editors, a level playing field would help strengthen public confidence, trust and electoral integrity ahead of the election.

The communiqué also addressed the state of federal roads, with the NGE expressing concern over what it described as the deteriorating condition of roads across the country.

The guild said poor roads were imposing hardship on motorists, commuters and businesses and urged the Federal Government to intensify rehabilitation, reconstruction and construction efforts on critical routes.

Despite its concerns over the treatment of journalists, the NGE also commended security agencies for what it described as successes in combating terrorism, banditry and other forms of criminality.

The guild called for sustained and coordinated security efforts to promote lasting peace, security and national unity.

Its warning on press freedom, however, remained a central part of the communiqué, with the editors urging authorities to handle disputes with journalists through lawful and established channels rather than measures that could restrict legitimate journalistic practice.