IPC-SPJ Hub Seeks Stronger Protection for Journalists, Unveils Report on ‘Unseen Enablers’
Oru Leonard
The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos, has called for renewed commitment to safeguarding press freedom and protecting journalists as Nigeria joins the global community to mark World Press Freedom Day 2026.
In a statement issued Sunday by its Safety and Protection of Journalists (SPJ) Hub, IPC underscored the importance of this year’s theme, “Shaping a Future at Peace,” noting that a free, independent, and responsible media remains vital to democratic governance, peacebuilding, and social cohesion.
The organisation recalled that World Press Freedom Day, proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993, serves as a reminder to governments to uphold their commitments to press freedom and ensure a safe environment for journalists.
Providing insight into the state of media safety, IPC revealed that in 2025 alone, it documented at least 23 cases of attacks affecting 28 journalists and two media organisations. These incidents ranged from threats to life, abduction, unlawful arrests, and harassment, to physical assaults and, in extreme cases, murder. Online media practitioners recorded the highest number of attacks, followed by broadcast and print.
Executive Director of IPC, Lanre Arogundade, warned that growing threats to journalists—amid rising misinformation, political instability, and shrinking civic space—pose serious risks not only to press freedom but also to citizens’ access to credible information.
“Journalism remains an essential force in amplifying marginalised voices, countering disinformation, and enabling informed public discourse—key ingredients for sustainable peace and development,” he said.
Arogundade stressed that the safety of journalists must be prioritised by governments, security agencies, and other stakeholders, urging stronger legal protections and accountability for crimes against media professionals.
The IPC also highlighted the need for ethical journalism, especially in conflict-sensitive reporting, calling on media practitioners to uphold professionalism, accuracy, and fairness while leveraging innovation to combat misinformation and hate speech.
As part of activities marking the day, IPC—supported by the International Freedom of Expression Exchange—launched a new publication titled “The Unseen Enablers.” The report examines the role of non-state actors in undermining press freedom and journalists’ safety in Nigeria.
According to the organisation, the publication aims to deepen understanding of how these “unseen enablers” restrict access to information and disrupt news dissemination, while encouraging collaborative efforts to address the challenges they pose.
IPC called on government institutions, civil society groups, media owners, and the international community to work together to build a media environment that supports peace, justice, and inclusive development.
“A peaceful future is only possible where the press is free, voices are heard, and truth prevails,” the statement concluded.
