Abuja: The International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria has issued a call to the Federal Government to intervene with state governments and security agencies to cease the ongoing harassment of journalists. The appeal was made in a communique signed by IPI Nigeria’s President, Musikilu Mojeed, and General Secretary, Ahmed Shekarau, following the 2025 Conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the twin-event was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima and the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris. The IPI Nigeria highlighted the need for the Federal Government to take action against the harassment of journalists, which has led to Nigeria dropping 10 places in the global Press Freedom Ranking in 2025. The organization also called for a revision of existing laws, such as the CyberCrime Act and Criminal Defamation Law, to better align with global standards on freedom of expression.
IPI Nigeria expressed hope for an end to attacks on journalists, noting with concern the inclusion of the Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, and the governors of Niger and Akwa Ibom states in their ‘Book of Infamy’ for intimidation of journalists. While the Nigeria Police Force and Niger Government have shown willingness to correct these issues, the Akwa Ibom Government has reportedly launched personal attacks against IPI Nigeria’s president and his publication, Premium Times.
The communique also praised the Vice President’s commitment to addressing the harassment of journalists. A recent report by Media Rights Agenda indicated that government officials were responsible for nearly 74 percent of all attacks on journalists in Nigeria between January and October 2025. The IPI Nigeria emphasized the importance of investigative journalism and urged media stakeholders to invest in the practice to hold leaders accountable.
The conference also featured discussions on the challenges facing the Nigerian media landscape, with notable speakers such as Edetaen Ojo of Media Rights Agenda and Isiaq Ajibola of Media Trust Limited addressing media repression and sustainability. The organization’s resolutions included demanding improved working conditions for journalists and urging the Federal Government to halt the culture of impunity against media professionals.