NHRC, SERAP, Editors Demand Stronger Protection for Journalists on World Press Freedom Day - Report Arise News

Calls for enhanced protection of journalists across Nigeria took centre stage on Saturday as key institutions and media stakeholders marked World Press Freedom Day, urging authorities to uphold press freedom and ensure accountability for attacks on media professionals.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), alongside the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors, issued separate statements highlighting growing concerns over harassment, intimidation, and unlawful detention of journalists.

In its statement, the NHRC stressed that a free and independent press remains a cornerstone of democracy, warning that persistent violations against journalists threaten transparency and good governance. The Commission called on security agencies to respect the rights of media practitioners and to promptly investigate reported abuses.

SERAP, on its part, urged the Federal Government to take concrete steps toward ending impunity for crimes against journalists. The organization emphasized that safeguarding press freedom is essential to promoting accountability and combating corruption, adding that attacks on journalists undermine citizens’ right to information.

Similarly, the Nigerian Guild of Editors called for stronger legal and institutional frameworks to protect media workers. The Guild noted that journalists continue to operate under challenging conditions, often facing threats while carrying out their duties.

Media experts and civil society groups also used the occasion to advocate reforms that would align Nigeria’s media environment with global best practices. They stressed the importance of enforcing existing laws and enacting new measures to guarantee journalists’ safety.

World Press Freedom Day, observed annually on May 3, serves as a reminder of the critical role of the media in fostering democratic societies and holding power to account. This year’s commemoration in Nigeria comes amid renewed calls for government action to protect journalists and preserve freedom of expression.

As stakeholders continue to push for reforms, the consensus remains clear: without a free press, democratic progress and public accountability are at risk.