Two leading media rights organizations have launched a new resource to help Nigerian journalists and media houses better protect themselves using the law.
The International Press Institute (IPI) in Vienna and Media Rights Agenda (MRA) published a 50-page guide that explains press freedom laws in simple terms.
Titled “Press Freedom in Nigeria: A Resource Guide of National, Regional, and International Laws, Mechanisms and Frameworks”, the Guide covers Nigerian laws that protect press freedom, African laws like the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights and the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa.
Relevant international instruments, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) that Nigeria has signed are also covered.
The Deputy Executive Director of MRA, Mr Ayode Longe, in a press statement explained the importance of the guide noting that the resource will help journalists understand how to use the law to defend their rights.
He said: “This resource is intended to serve as a vital tool for understanding the legal landscape governing media freedom and offers practical insights on how to navigate and leverage legal protections to defend the rights of journalists and media practitioners.
“By mapping out the key legal provisions and institutional mechanisms available in Nigeria, at the African level and globally, the Guide provides a critical reference for media professionals and advocates working to safeguard freedom of expression.”
Mr Longe stressed that as threats to press freedom continue to evolve and intensify in Nigeria, it is more important than ever for journalists and media organizations to understand the legal tools available to protect themselves.
“This Guide will empower them with the knowledge needed to confront these challenges,” he added.
The guide includes practical tips on how to fight against harassment and censorship laws that limit what journalists can do.
The guide also aims to help not just journalists, but also organizations seeking press freedom in Nigeria and across Africa.