The International Press Centre has called for renewed commitment to strengthening press freedom in Nigeria, warning that persistent attacks on journalists continue to threaten democratic governance, public accountability and access to credible information.
The call was made on Sunday as the organisation, through its Safety and Protection of Journalists Hub, joined the global observance of World Press Freedom Day, marked this year under the theme, “Shaping a Future at Peace.”
In a statement issued to commemorate the day, the centre said the theme highlights the critical role of a free, independent and responsible media in promoting peace, strengthening democratic institutions and fostering social cohesion across nations.
World Press Freedom Day was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in December 1993 and is observed annually on May 3 as a reminder to governments of their obligation to respect press freedom and provide a safe and enabling environment for journalism practice.
The International Press Centre disclosed that in 2025, its Safety and Protection of Journalists Hub documented no fewer than 23 cases of attacks involving 28 journalists and two media organisations across the country.
According to the organisation, the attacks ranged from threats to life, forceful invasion and closure of media houses, abduction, unlawful arrest, intimidation, harassment and physical assault to murder.
A gender breakdown of the documented cases showed that 23 of the affected journalists were male, three were female, while two cases did not specify gender. By media platform, online media recorded the highest number of attacks with 16 cases, followed by broadcast media with 10, while print recorded one case.
Executive Director of the International Press Centre, Lanre Arogundade, said the global climate of conflict, misinformation, political instability and shrinking civic space has made the role of the media even more critical.
“At a time when the world continues to grapple with conflicts, misinformation, political instability and growing threats to civic space, the role of the media as a pillar of truth and accountability cannot be overstated,” he said.
Arogundade added that journalism remains essential in amplifying marginalised voices, countering disinformation and facilitating informed public discourse, describing these as key ingredients for sustainable peace and development.
He, however, expressed concern over the increasing risks faced by journalists and media professionals around the world.
“From harassment and unlawful detention to violent attacks and killings, these threats undermine not only press freedom but also the collective right of citizens to access credible information. The safety of journalists must therefore be prioritised by governments, security agencies and all relevant stakeholders,” he said.
The organisation therefore called for renewed commitment to upholding constitutional guarantees of press freedom, strengthening legal protections for journalists and ensuring accountability for crimes committed against media professionals.
It also stressed the importance of ethical journalism and responsible conflict-sensitive reporting, noting that as information ecosystems continue to evolve, media practitioners must uphold professionalism, accuracy and fairness while using innovation to counter misinformation and hate speech.
The International Press Centre further urged government institutions, civil society organisations, media owners and the international community to work collaboratively towards building a media landscape that supports peace, justice and inclusive development.
As part of activities marking this year’s observance, the centre, with support from the International Freedom of Expression Exchange, launched a new publication titled The Unseen Enablers.
The publication examines the role of non-state actors as emerging threats to the safety of journalists and press freedom in Nigeria. It highlights how such actors undermine access to information and the dissemination of news, while also drawing attention to the wider consequences for democratic participation and media independence.
According to the organisation, the publication is intended to deepen public understanding of the growing influence of these “unseen enablers” and stimulate collaborative engagement aimed at addressing the challenges they pose to an environment conducive for journalism practice in Nigeria.
The statement concluded that a peaceful future can only be achieved where the press is free, voices are heard and truth prevails.