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Articles - Nigeria

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Nigeria

Boko Haram militants threaten further attacks on media

Less than a week after bomb attacks on media houses killed at least eight in Abuja and Kaduna, the militant Islamic sect Boko Haram has released a video claiming responsibility and threatening further attacks against media groups, reports Media Rights Agenda (MRA).

Nigeria

Journalist killed while covering terrorist bombings

A TV reporter was gunned down in Kano, shortly after covering a series of deadly bombings on 20 January by the militant Islamic sect Boko Haram, report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

Nigeria

TV journalist gunned down by notorious Islamic sect

A journalist was gunned down in front of his house by militants from the radical Islamic sect Boko Haram, report Media Rights Agenda (MRA), Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Africa / Awards / Liberia / Nigeria

IFEX members hounoured with pan-African award for freedom of information campaigns

IFEX congratulates Edetaen Ojo and Malcolm Joseph, the leaders of IFEX member groups in Nigeria and Liberia, for winning Africa's first awards for activism on access to information. The awards were handed out at the inaugural Pan African Conference on Access to Information, held in Cape Town, South Africa, this week, which was attended by numerous IFEX members involved in campaigning on the issue.

Nigeria

Freedom of information law is a victory for democracy

Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has approved a freedom of information law, giving Nigerians the power and resources to unearth facts, battle corruption and hold officials and institutions accountable. Nigerian civil society groups, including IFEX member Media Rights Agenda (MRA), have fought for years to institutionalise transparency and accountability.

Nigeria

Three journalists slain

Three Nigerian journalists were killed in separate incidents on 24 April, report the Media Rights Agenda (MRA), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and other IFEX members. One journalist was shot dead in his home, and two others were hacked to death by rioters while trying to cover local unrest.

Nigeria

Journalist almost killed by mourners; other journalists threatened by soldiers

A Nigerian radio journalist covering the mass funeral of victims of a 7 March massacre in villages in central Nigeria was brutally assaulted by mourners, report the Nigeria-based Media Rights Agenda (MRA) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). Journalists have also been harassed and intimidated by soldiers in the region, reports the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ).

Nigeria

Editor's children witness his assassination

A Nigerian editor was murdered in his home in Lagos, by a gang of six men who pumped his body full of bullets, report the Media Rights Agenda (MRA) and other IFEX members.

Nigeria

PERIODISTA RADIOFÓNICO ASESINADO EN EMBOSCADA

Nigeria

UN RADIOJOURNALISTE EST ASSASSINÉ DANS UNE EMBUSCADE

Nigeria

RADIO JOURNALIST KILLED IN AMBUSH

A Nigerian radio journalist was killed in an ambush last week near his home in Lafia, central Nigeria, reports the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Nigeria

AGISSEZ ! UNE COALITION NIGÉRIANE LANCE UNE CAMPAGNE DE SIGNATURES EN FAVEUR DU PROJET DE LOI SUR LA LIBERTÉ D'ACCÈS À L'INFORMATION

Nigeria

¡ACTÚE! COALICIÓN NIGERIANA INICIA CAMPAÑA DE FIRMAS SOBRE PROYECTO DE LEY DE LIBERTAD DE INFORMACIÓN

Nigeria

TAKE ACTION! NIGERIAN COALITION LAUNCHES SIGNATURE CAMPAIGN ON FREEDOM OF INFORMATION BILL

Hurry! The Nigerian Freedom of Information Coalition, led by Media Rights Agenda (MRA), is looking for one million signatures by 28 September to compel the Nigerian federal legislature to finally pass the Freedom of Information Bill into law.

Nigeria

LE PRÉSIDENT NE TIENT AUCUN COMPTE DU PROJET DE LOI SUR LA LIBERTÉ DE L'INFORMATION LORS D'ÉLECTIONS « CHARADES »

Nigeria

PRESIDENTE HACE CASO OMISO DE PROYECTO DE LEY DE LIBERTAD DE INFORMACIÓN EN MEDIO DE "FARSA ELECTORAL"

Nigeria

PRESIDENT IGNORES FREEDOM OF INFORMATION BILL AMID "CHARADE" ELECTIONS

In the aftermath of what observers called "seriously flawed" presidential elections in Nigeria, President Olusegun Obasanjo failed to sign into law a bill that would have strengthened his battle against corruption, reports Media Rights Agenda (MRA).

Nigeria

VETERANO PERIODISTA ASESINADO

Nigeria

UN JOURNALISTE CHEVRONNÉ EST TUÉ

Nigeria

VETERAN JOURNALIST KILLED

Police in Nigeria are investigating the murder of veteran journalist Godwin Agbroko, who was shot dead in the city of Lagos on 22 December 2006, reported the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF).

Nigeria

INSTAN A PRESIDENTE A FIRMAR PROYECTO DE LEY DE ACCESO A LA INFORMACIÓN

Nigeria

LE PRÉSIDENT EST PRIÉ DE RATIFIER LA LOI SUR L'ACCÈS À L'INFORMATION

Nigeria

PRESIDENT URGED TO SIGN ACCESS TO INFORMATION BILL

Nigeria's Senate has unanimously passed a bill that, if signed into law, will guarantee every citizen in the country the right to access government-held information, reports Media Rights Agenda (MRA).

Nigeria

MRA CELEBRARÁ TALLERES SOBRE TRANSPARENCIA Y CAPACITACIÓN EN PERIODISMO

Nigeria

LE GROUPE MEDIA RIGHTS AGENDA (MRA) ORGANISE DES ATELIERS SUR LA TRANSPARENCE ET DE FORMATION EN JOURNALISME

Nigeria

MEDIA RIGHTS AGENDA REACTIVA CAMPAÑAS EN PRO DE LA LEY DE ACCESO A LA INFORMACIÓN

Nigeria

LE GROUPE MEDIA RIGHTS AGENDA REPREND SA CAMPAGNE POUR OBTENIR UNE LOI SUR L'ACCÈS À L'INFORMATION

Nigeria

MEDIA RIGHTS AGENDA REVIVES CAMPAIGN FOR ACCESS TO INFORMATION LAW

In Nigeria, Media Rights Agenda (MRA) is ramping up its campaign to convince lawmakers to pass a draft Freedom of Information (FOI) bill guaranteeing every citizen the right to access government-held information. The bill is at a critical stage and needs only the approval of the Senate and the President before it becomes law.

Nigeria

CENTROS PEN RINDEN HOMENAJE A LA MEMORIA DE KEN SARO-WIWA

Nigeria

DES CENTRES DU PEN HONORENT LA MÉMOIRE DE KEN SARO-WIWA

Nigeria

PEN CENTRES HONOUR MEMORY OF KEN SARO-WIWA

On 10 November 2005, PEN Centres in 28 countries joined free expression advocates around the world to commemorate the 10-year anniversary of the death of Ogoni leader and writer Ken Saro-Wiwa.

Nigeria

DES JOURNALISTES EXERCENT DES PRESSIONS POUR OBTENIR DES RÉFORMES JURIDIQUES AFIN DE PRÉSERVER LA LIBRE EXPRESSION

Nigeria

PERIODISTAS PIDEN REFORMA JURÍDICA PARA PROTEGER LIBRE EXPRESIÓN

Nigeria

JOURNALISTS PUSH FOR LEGAL REFORMS TO SAFEGUARD FREE EXPRESSION

Journalists, editors and other media professionals from Nigeria have called on their government to pass a long-delayed access to information bill and revoke repressive laws that inhibit press freedom and freedom of expression.

Nigeria

UNE ANTHOLOGIE DE LA POÉSIE CÉLÈBRE LA VIE D'UN ÉCRIVAIN NIGÉRIAN

Nigeria

ANTOLOGÍA DE POESÍA CELEBRA LA VIDA DE ESCRITOR NIGERIANO

Nigeria

AUTORIDADES CIERRAN PUBLICACIONES INDEPENDIENTES

Nigeria

LES AUTORITÉS FERMENT DES PUBLICATIONS INDÉPENDANTES

Nigeria

AUTHORITIES SHUT DOWN INDEPENDENT PUBLICATIONS

In a blow to freedom of expression in Nigeria, state security agents have raided the offices of two independent publications in the past week, confiscating equipment and arresting editorial staff. The move has prompted IFEX members to raise serious concerns over democracy in the country.

Nigeria

FREEDOM HOUSE ET LE MRA INAUGURENT UNE FORMATION EN DROITS DE LA PERSONNE POUR LES JOURNALISTES NIGÉRIANS

Nigeria

FREEDOM HOUSE Y MRA INICIAN CAPACITACIÓN EN DERECHOS HUMANOS PARA PERIODISTAS NIGERIANOS

Nigeria

FREEDOM HOUSE, MRA LAUNCH HUMAN RIGHTS TRAINING FOR NIGERIAN JOURNALISTS

Freedom House is teaming up with Media Rights Agenda (MRA) in Nigeria to train journalists in improving coverage of human rights. The IFEX members will work together on an 18-month project to equip participants from the states of Lagos, Plateau and Rivers with tools to better inform the public and the government on key issues.

Nigeria

FREEDOM HOUSE SE ASOCIA CON GRUPO NIGERIANO PARA CAPACITAR PERIODISTAS

Nigeria

FREEDOM HOUSE S'ASSOCIE AVEC UN GROUPE DU NIGÉRIA POUR DONNER DE LA FORMATION À DES JOURNALISTES

Nigeria

FREEDOM HOUSE PARTNERS WITH NIGERIAN GROUP TO TRAIN JOURNALISTS

Journalists in Nigeria are expected to gain valuable skills in covering corruption, conflict and political reform next month, thanks to a training initiative organised by Freedom House.

Nigeria

L'IPC LANCE UN LIVRE SUR LA LIBERTÉ DE L'INFORMATION AU NIGÉRIA

Nigeria

HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH TIRE LA SONNETTE D'ALARME AU SUJET DES VIOLATIONS DE LA LIBRE EXPRESSION

Nigeria

IPC PRESENTA LIBRO SOBRE LIBERTAD DE INFORMACIÓN EN NIGERIA

Nigeria

HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH DA VOZ DE ALARMA ACERCA DE VIOLACIONES A LA LIBRE EXPRESIÓN

Nigeria

IPC LAUNCHES BOOK ON FREEDOM OF INFORMATION IN NIGERIA

As Nigeria's parliament considers passing a proposed freedom-of-information act, grassroots activists are coming together to support the measure, and they now have a manual with which to strengthen their case.

Nigeria

HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH RAISES ALARM ON FREE-EXPRESSION VIOLATIONS

Commonwealth leaders meeting in Nigeria this week should raise concerns about freedom of expression in the country, where brutal measures, including killings and torture, are being used to repress journalists and citizens, says Human Rights Watch in a new report.

Nigeria

L'AMARC EXERCE DES PRESSIONS POUR FAIRE ADOPTER UNE CHARTE AFRICAINE DE LA RADIODIFFUSION

Nigeria

AMARC INSTA A ADOPCIÓN DE ESTATUTO AFRICANO SOBRE DIFUSIÓN

Nigeria

AMARC URGES ADOPTION OF AFRICAN BROADCASTING CHARTER

The African chapter of the World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters (AMARC Africa) has joined the Panos Institute of West Africa and the Institute for Media and Society (IMS) in calling on the Nigerian government to adopt the African Charter on Broadcasting.

Nigeria

LES MÉDIAS SONT RESTREINTS PENDANT QUE L'ANARCHIE GRANDIT

Nigeria

MEDIOS RESTRINGIDOS EN MEDIO DE "ILEGALIDAD CRECIENTE"

Nigeria

MEDIA CURBED AMIDST "GROWING LAWLESSNESS"

The Media Institute for Southern Africa (MISA), Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) are calling attention to recent attacks on press freedom in Nigeria amid what RSF calls a "growing climate of lawlessness."

Nigeria

Nigeria: Musicians Under Threat, Says Freemuse

In Nigeria, once considered Africa's musical leader, the story of growing musical censorship is a mirror to the country's widening political faultlines, according to a new report by FreeMuse, the

Nigeria

FONT CAMPAGNE EN FAVEUR D?UNE MEILLEURE COUVERTURE DES ÉLECTIONS PAR LES MÉDIAS

Nigeria

GRUPOS HACEN CAMPAÑA EN FAVOR DE MEJOR COBERTURA ELECTORAL DE LOS MEDIOS

Nigeria

GROUPS CAMPAIGN FOR BETTER ELECTION MEDIA COVERAGE

As Nigeria prepares for April elections, a coalition of press-freedom groups, including the Independent Journalism Center (IJC), has joined together to launch a campaign aimed at ensuring broadcast media report impartially and give political parties equal access to the airwaves.

Nigeria

LE SÉNAT ABROGE DES LOIS « RÉPUGNANTES » SUR LA PRESSE

Nigeria

SENADO REVOCA LEYES DE PRENSA "REPUGNANTES"

Nigeria

SENATE REPEALS "REPUGNANT" PRESS LAWS

Nigeria has repealed three laws that critics say are repugnant to press freedom and in violation of the country's constitution, report the Independent Journalism Center (IJC) and the Institute for Media and Society (IMS).

Nigeria

JOURNAL EST VISÉ EN RAISON DE LA CONTROVERSE ENTOURANT LE CONCOURS « MISS MONDE

Nigeria

EMITEN FATWA; PERIÓDICO ATACADO POR NOTICIA DE "MISS MUNDO"

Nigeria

FATWA ISSUED, NEWSPAPER TARGETED OVER "MISS WORLD" STORY

Press-freedom groups have raised concerns over conditions in Nigeria after a death sentence was issued against a journalist whose article about a Miss World beauty contest sparked violent protests and the destruction of a newspaper's offices.

Nigeria

L?OUVRAGE DE CHRIS ANYANWU FAIT REVIVRE LA TERREUR DE LA DICTATURE D?ABACHA

Nigeria

LIBRO DE CHRIS ANYANWU NARRA TERROR DE DICTADURA DE ABACHA

Nigeria

CHRIS ANYANWU'S BOOK RECOUNTS TERROR OF ABACHA DICTATORSHIP

During her more than three years of incarceration in Nigeria, journalist Chris Anyanwu managed to document her ordeal by smuggling notes and letters out of prison. These became the basis for her new book, "The Days of Terror," published earlier this year. Anyanwu was one of many journalists, politicians and others jailed in the 1990s under the dictatorship of General Sani Abacha, described in the book as Nigeria's "worst tyrant."

Nigeria

16 ESTACIONES DE RADIO PRIVADAS OBTIENEN LICENCIAS

Nigeria

SEIZE STATIONS DE RADIO PRIVÉES OBTIENNENT UN PERMIS

Nigeria

16 PRIVATE RADIO STATIONS SECURE LICENCES

Sixteen private broadcasters in Nigeria have secured licences from the government to operate radio stations across the country, reports the Independent Journalist Center (IJC-Nigeria). The broadcasters were among 400 who have applied for radio licences since 1992. Twelve of the sixteen broadcasters will operate commercial FM stations. IJC notes that at a press conference announcing the granting of licenses, Director General of the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission Danladi Bako said the government intends to grant more licences to deserving applicants.

Nigeria

A PRESIDENTE; PROMETEN LIBERALIZACIÓN DE LEYES DE MEDIOS DE COMUNICACIÓN

Nigeria

LE PRÉSIDENT; ON PROMET DE LIBÉRALISER LES LOIS SUR LES MÉDIAS

Nigeria

EDITOR JAILED FOR DEFAMING PRESIDENT; LIBERALISATION OF MEDIA LAWS PROMISED

Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has brought charges of criminal defamation against journalist Nnamdi Onyenua, report the Independent Journalism Centre (IJC), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and the World Association of Newspapers (WAN). Onyenua, editor of the weekly, Lagos-based magazine "Glamour Trends", was arrested on 8 June. The charges resulted from an article entitled "Secrets Behind Obasanjo's Trips" that appeared in the magazine's 6 June edition. According to CPJ, the article alleged that the president receives US$1 million in allowances for each overseas trip and that he had amassed US$58 million in allowances over two years. Onyenua was detained for more than eleven days without formal charges, in violation of Nigerian law, notes CPJ. He was not arraigned until 19 June, when he was charged with publishing false information and defaming the president. On or about 21 June, he was released on bail.

Nigeria

PROPONEN REFORMAS A MEDIOS, PERO NO HACEN PÚBLICO INFORME

Nigeria

ON PROPOSE DES RÉFORMES POUR LES MÉDIAS, MAIS ON NE PUBLIE PAS LE RAPPORT

Nigeria

MEDIA REFORMS PROPOSED, BUT REPORT NOT MADE PUBLIC

A Nigerian government committee that has been reviewing the country's repressive media and publishing laws has submitted its report to Information Minister Jerry Gana, after a one-year public consultation process, reports the International Journalists' Network (IJN). The Minister accepted the report, but did not make it public. However, IJN says that Taiwo Alimi, the committee chairman and chief executive of the Voice of Nigeria, confirmed that the report made significant recommendations regarding the country's restrictive regulations governing the registration of newspapers, journals and magazines.

Nigeria

COMBATE DE LOS MEDIOS PARA JUGAR UN ROL UNIFICADOR EN UNA SOCIEDAD DIVERSA

Nigeria

LES MÉDIAS S?EFFORCENT DE JOUER UN RÔLE D?UNIFICATION DANS UNE SOCIÉTÉ PLURALIST

Nigeria

MEDIA STRUGGLE TO PLAY UNIFYING ROLE IN A DIVERSE SOCIETY

The need for the media to act as unifying agents in the diverse, multi-cultural societies of Africa was the central theme of a conference on "Media in Diverse societies: Roles, Responsibilities and Opportunities" held last month in Abuja, Nigeria, according to the Independent Journalism Centre (IJC). In a new and fragile democracy facing the potentially divisive forces of religion, ethnic rivalry, and regionalism, conference participants affirmed that "the media remain the only institution capable of unifying the people." IJC reports that George Soros, Chairman of the Open Society Institute, was one of those who addressed the conference for media owners, managers and stakeholders, urging the media to "contribute to creating harmonious co-existence among diverse groups in Nigeria." The conference, which took place from 11-13 December, was jointly organised by the IJC, the Panos Institute, and the New York University Center for War, Peace and the News Media.

Nigeria

DES JOURNALISTES POURSUIVENT LA LUTTE POUR RECEVOIR UNE PROTECTION JURIDIQUE

Nigeria

PERIODISTAS CONTINÚAN COMBATE POR PROTECCIÓN LEGAL; OTRAS NOTICIAS

Nigeria

JOURNALISTS CONTINUE THE FIGHT FOR LEGAL PROTECTION; OTHER NEWS

While journalists have long protected the rights of all people in Nigeria, there are still no laws in place which offer them protection in their work, says Babafemi Ojudu in "The Fourth Estate" (No. 5), a publication of the Independent Journalism Centre (IJC) and Journalists for Democratic Rights (JODER). In his article, "Media: The African Experience", Ojudu assesses the horrendous attacks and abuses which journalists suffered under General Abacha's regime. He states that the press in Nigeria and throughout Africa "have had to bear the brunt of the struggle for good government, for democracy, and for restoration of human dignity for our people." Describing the resourceful, "guerrilla journalism" tactics that journalists used while under Abacha's rule, Ojudu says that things have improved for journalists in Nigeria since Abacha's rule ended. However, legal challenges to the media continue to exist, says Ojudu. While there is still no legislation in place which protects journalists and guarantees access to information, there continue to be laws in place which work against the press. As an example of such legislation, he points to Decree 48, which compels newspapers to be registered for a prohibitively expensive fee.

Nigeria

IPI SE REUNE CON GOBIERNO PARA ANALIZAR LIBERTAD DE PRENSA

Nigeria

L'IIP RENCONTRE LE GOUVERNEMENT POUR DISCUTER DE LIBERTÉ DE PRESSE

Nigeria

IPI MEETS WITH GOVERNMENT TO DISCUSS PRESS FREEDOM

In a meeting with President Olusegun Obasanjo and other government officials 31 October to 2 November, the International Press Institute (IPI) applauded the recent efforts made by Obasanjo's government to improve media freedom. As an example of such efforts, IPI pointed to the government's recent repeal of several laws restrictive of the media. IPI expressed concern, however, about decrees still intact, under which "the Nigeria Press Council is given the power to register publications and journalists, impose fines for violations, and force journalists to disclose sources of information." IPI also stated its concern about the high taxes to which the Nigerian media is subjected. Overall, in the meeting, Obasanjo again confirmed his commitment to abolish" all obnoxious and draconian measures" used against the press in his country, reports IPI.

Nigeria

PERIODISTA ASESINADO; PIDEN LEY DE LIBERTAD DE INFORMACIÓN

Nigeria

APPEL À L'ADOPTION D'UNE LOI SUR LA LIBERTÉ D'INFORMATION

Nigeria

JOURNALIST MURDERED; CALL FOR FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT

Journalist Edward Olalekan Ayo-Ojo, better known as Eddy Ayo-Ojo, was found dead in Lagos on 1 June, according to the Independent Journalism Centre (IJC) and Reporters sans frontières (RSF). An autopsy failed to reveal the exact causes of his death but there are some reports that he may have been strangled by unknown assailants. Ayo-Ojo had worked with several magazines, including the "Daily Times". At the time of his death he was a freelancer, writing features published in national dailies.

Nigeria

SE INTENSIFICAN ATAQUES A MEDIOS

Nigeria

ESCALADE DES ATTAQUES CONTRE LES MÉDIAS

Nigeria

ATTACKS ON MEDIA ESCALATING

Attacks on members of the media are escalating in Nigeria, report the Independent Journalism Centre (IJC), ARTICLE 19, the West African Journalists Association (WAJA) and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ). ARTICLE 19 notes that with less than a month to go before the handover to a civilian government, human rights violations continue in Nigeria. As of last week, "over a dozen people, mostly journalists and trade union leaders, have been arrested and many more declared wanted in an attempt to suppress critical voices and those exercising their democratic rights," says ARTICLE 19.

Nigeria

PERIODISTA MUERTO

Nigeria

UN JOURNALISTE EST ASSASSINÉ

Nigeria

JOURNALIST KILLED

Fidelis Ikwuebe, a freelance journalist who contributed to "The Guardian" daily newspaper, was murdered during bloody clashes between two communities in Anambra State in Nigeria, report the Independent Journalism Centre (IJC) and Reporters sans frontières (RSF). Ikwuebe was kidnapped earlier this month by members of one of the two communities, Aguleri and Umuleri, who have been fighting for a week in the east of Anambra State. According to RSF, the fighting between the two communities left at least 500 people dead. According to IJC, "Reports said the journalist, along with a Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Ezinifite in the Nnewi South Local Government area of Anambra state, Peter Udekwe, was kidnapped during the crisis. The police chief was said to have been sacrificed to a local deity in Umuleri while the journalist was murdered in cold blood."

Nigeria

NIRAN MALAOLU EST MALADE

Nigeria

JOURNALIST KILLED; NIRAN MALAOLU ILL

Journalist Bolade Fasasi was shot dead on 7 April by three unknown gunmen in Nigeria 's second biggest city, Ibadan, reports Reporters sans frontières (RSF). She was treasurer of the Lagos State Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) and an active member of the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ).

Nigeria

DES ATTAQUES CONTRE LES MÉDIAS INDÉPENDANTS SÈMENT L'INQUIÉTUDE

Nigeria

ATAQUES A MEDIOS INDEPENDIENTES CAUSAN INQUIETUD

Nigeria

ATTACKS ON INDEPENDENT MEDIA CAUSE CONCERN

Recent attacks on the independent media in Nigeria have caused concern, coming at a time when the country is attempting to undergo a transition to democracy, report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Reporters sans frontières (RSF), the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), ARTICLE 19 and the Writers in Prison Committee (WiPC) of International PEN. On 11 February, Lanre Arogundade, Chairman of the Lagos State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), was arrested and detained for three days by police after a complaint was lodged against him over a petition and he was accused of "making trouble." The IFJ believes that Arogundade was arrested as a result of his press freedom work and is concerned because the arrest came at a time when he "had been receiving death threats as a result of his NUJ activities."

Nigeria

LEYES PODRÍAN RESTRINGIR MEDIOS DE COMUNICACIÓN

Nigeria

CERTAINES LOIS POURRAIENT RESTREINDRE LES MÉDIAS

Nigeria

LAWS COULD RESTRICT MEDIA

Journalists in Nigeria are urging the government to remove a section from the draft constitution under consideration which would codify the formation of a National Mass Media Commission (NMMC), reports the latest edition of the Independent Journalism Centre's (IJC) "Media Monitor." Media executives met at a two-day public debate on the 1995 draft constitution in Lagos on 26 and 27 December to discuss the proposal. Ronke Ballantyne of the Minaj Group said "the clause in the section which restricts the circulation of newspapers or magazines beyond their state of operation would inhibit freedom of expression." She said, "the law stipulates that unless private media establishments in the country go public, they can neither circulate nor broadcast beyond their states of operation." The result would be that the government would control the media. Ndu Ughamadu, Editor of the "Daily Times", who was representing the over 500 members of the Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE), said the proposed Media Commission is unnecessary, noting that the Nigeria Press Council (NPC), the Ministry of Information and the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) already regulate the media. Ughamadu said "that the group that sponsored the commission [mistakenly] believed that journalists would be monitoring the activities of government officials and would be preventing them from carrying out some of their excesses in governance."