The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has expressed deep concern over the existence and potential impact of anti-media laws in the country.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by the NGE’s General Secretary, Iyobosa Uwugiaren, the guild announced the establishment of a committee to engage with the National Assembly and the Federal Ministry of Information on the matter.
“We are concerned about the negative impact of this plethora of obnoxious laws—some of which were enacted during the colonial era—that continue to undermine accountability and transparency at all levels of government,” Uwugiaren stated.
He emphasized that anti-media laws pose a significant threat to democracy, as they hinder journalists from holding those in power accountable, thereby enabling corruption and abuse of power to flourish unchecked.
“These laws also have the capacity to restrict Nigerians’ ability to freely express their opinions and participate in meaningful public discourse, effectively undermining the fundamental right to free speech,” the statement noted.
In response, the NGE has inaugurated a five-member committee tasked with liaising with key stakeholders, including the Minister of Information and National Orientation, the National Assembly, and the Attorney-General of the Federation. The committee will work towards initiating amendments or the outright repeal of these oppressive laws, the guild stated.
