NGE Expresses Concern Over Anti-Media, Free Speech Laws

Concerned about the plethora of obnoxious and anti-media laws in Nigeria’s legal framework, the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has inaugurated a five-member committee to work closely with the Minister of Information and National Orientation, the National Assembly, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF)/Minister of Justice, and other stakeholders. The aim is to initiate a process of amending or outright repealing these laws.

The committee comprises pro-media rights activist and NGE member Richard Akinnola; lawyer and former Punch Newspaper Editor Gbemiga Ogunleye; former Editor-in-Chief/Managing Director of The Guardian Martins Oloja; Deputy Editor-in-Chief/Chairman, Editorial Board of Daily Trust Idris Hamza; and NGE General Secretary Dr. Iyobosa Uwugiaren.

In a joint statement signed by NGE President Eze Anaba and General Secretary Dr. Iyobosa Uwugiaren and made available to LEADERSHIP yesterday in Abuja.

The Guild described its decision as being informed by the “chilling effects” of these laws on the nation’s democracy and press freedom.

According to the NGE: “We are concerned about the negative impact of this plethora of obnoxious laws; some of them were enacted during the colonial era and today undermine accountability and transparency at all levels of government.

“Anti-media laws can make it more difficult for journalists to hold those in power accountable, allowing corruption and abuse of power to go unchecked.”

The Guild added, “These anti-media laws also restrict Nigerians’ ability to express their opinions and participate in robust public discourse, thereby undermining the fundamental right to free speech.”
Despite the existence of the Freedom of Information Act, the NGE noted that these laws have significantly limited access to information, making it harder for Nigerians to make informed decisions and actively participate in the democratic process.

The statement further argued: “Nigerians‘ huge deficit of trust in their government today is largely caused by these laws. Anti-media laws erode trust in institutions—including the government, judiciary, and media—thereby undermining the legitimacy of democratic systems.

“They also concentrate power in the hands of political elites, allowing them to control the narrative and suppress dissenting voices, including opposition parties, civil society organisations, and individual activists, as we are currently witnessing in the country.”

The Guild explained that to safeguard Nigeria’s democratic culture and values, the committee will engage key stakeholders to identify and address these laws, which seriously threaten democratic stability and could create an environment where authoritarianism flourishes.

The NGE emphasised that its interest in this issue goes beyond the need to create an enabling environment for press freedom and free speech. It is equally committed to deepening the nation’s democracy and promoting good governance at all levels, which aligns with the federal government’s agenda.