As the world paused on May 3 to mark World Press Freedom Day, the Nigerian government and state governors chorused their support for an “independent and vibrant media” but behind the polished statements and political pleasantries, critical questions remain about the actual state of press freedom in Nigeria.
This year’s theme, “Reporting in the Brave New World: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media,” brings both optimism and caution. While AI offers tools for smarter journalism, it also raises the specter of censorship, deepfakes, and digital surveillance. Against this backdrop, officials from federal and state governments delivered speeches pledging their loyalty to the principle of free expression.
Tinubu’s Administration: Promises or Performances?
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, used the occasion to reaffirm the Tinubu administration’s supposed dedication to press freedom. He acknowledged the critical role of journalism in the digital age and called for a coalition between the government, media, and civil society to preserve free speech in an era of AI disruptions.
But his speech, though elegant, lacked specifics. What concrete policies or legal protections is the government putting in place to prevent AI tools from being weaponized against journalists? The statement that “innovation must not come at the expense of ethics or national security” is ambiguous especially in a country where national security has often been a justification for media clampdowns.
“A free and responsible media is the lifeblood of any democratic society,” Idris declared. Yet Nigeria’s media landscape remains plagued by harassment, censorship, and digital surveillance often with state involvement.
State Governors Join the Choir
Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo joined the commemoration, calling the press “a vital partner” in governance. In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, he emphasized that a free press “amplifies the voices of the people” and “holds the powerful accountable.”
The sentiment is noble, but in practice, local journalists across Nigeria continue to face threats, arbitrary arrests, and pressure from political actors, particularly when exposing corruption or challenging power structures.
Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, who also chairs the Northern States Governors’ Forum, issued a statement praising journalists for their “commitment to truth and public enlightenment.” He too warned of AI-driven dangers like fake news and disinformation but celebrated the media’s enduring relevance.
However, Yahaya’s administration, like many others, has yet to demonstrate how it is safeguarding journalists or improving their working conditions particularly in the northern regions where press freedom is often curtailed under the guise of national security or religious sensitivities.
The Role of AI: Tool or Threat?
The International Press Centre (IPC) in Lagos struck a more nuanced tone. Its Executive Director, Lanre Arogundade, highlighted how AI is revolutionizing Nigerian newsrooms from automated fact-checking to data-driven investigative journalism.
“AI is helping expose corruption and bring attention to stories that would otherwise be ignored,” Arogundade said. However, he cautioned that such technologies must be used responsibly and in ways that enhance, not endanger, journalistic integrity.
A Celebration With Caution
While the rhetoric on Press Freedom Day was filled with glowing praise for the media, many journalists and observers remain skeptical. The gap between official statements and real-world press conditions continues to grow. Nigeria still grapples with low press funding, journalist safety concerns, and ambiguous regulations that could be exploited to muzzle dissent.
If the country truly wants to embrace the spirit of World Press Freedom Day, then it must move beyond ceremonial speeches and implement actionable protections for the press especially in this new AI era, where both the opportunities and threats to free speech are greater than ever.
Reference
Press Freedom Day 2025: Nigeria’s Leaders Talk Tough, But Is the Media Truly Free?