The Center for Media and Society, an independent, non-governmental organization based in Nigeria has organized a dialogue on crises and conflict-prone issues including, but not limited to, arrest/detention, harassment, attacks, blasphemy, censorship, cyberattack, cyber fraud, cyberbullying, FOI, Internet/telecom/social media shutdowns, judicial actions, protests, regulations and social welfare/safety net concerns.
The Executive Director of the Centre for Media and Society, CEMESO, Dr. Akin Akingbulu, emphasized the critical importance of monitoring trends in Freedom of Expression and Information (FOE&I) in Nigeria, particularly during crisis and conflict situations.
Dr. Akingbulu made this call at a virtual event that brought together participants from diverse sectors, including media and civil society, to discuss urgent issues affecting citizens’ fundamental freedoms.
He noted that recent monitoring efforts have revealed alarming trends, including arrests and harassment of journalists, censorship, and restrictions on protests.
Dr. Akingbulu also pointed out that these actions reflect broader attempts to control the flow of information in Nigeria, which faces increasing judicial regulations that threaten access to information.
“Social media has emerged as a vital public sphere for discourse,” he stated, highlighting its role in enabling citizens to engage in political debates. However, he cautioned that this accessibility has led to heightened scrutiny and efforts to limit its influence.
The conversation also addressed the economic challenges facing Nigeria, such as high unemployment and inflation, which often lead to the suppression of dissenting voices. Dr. Akingbulu stressed that despite constitutional protections, the rights of Nigerians to express themselves freely are increasingly under threat.
Highlighting the role of various actors in these trends, he underscored the need for collective responsibility in upholding FOE&I. “Our role here is not only to observe but to understand, influence, and advocate for a future where freedom of expression can flourish,” he said.
Dr. Akingbulu introduced the Media Expression Pulse Dashboard, a new platform designed to provide real-time insights into FOE&I issues, supported by IFEX. He encouraged stakeholders to utilize this tool to foster dialogue and action to defend these vital rights.
During the session, participants shared their experiences regarding FOE&I and explored the dynamics between various actors impacting FOE&I in Nigeria, underscoring the need for ongoing advocacy and awareness in these challenging times.
CEMESO’s real-time monitoring revealed alarming incidents of arrests, detentions, harassment, censorship, blasphemy accusations, and protest restrictions.
These actions, far from isolated, represent broader attempts to control information flow. Judicial actions and regulations further complicate the landscape, affecting access to information and freedom of expression.
The rise of cyber threats, including cyberattacks, fraud, and cyberbullying, coupled with deliberate disruptions like internet shutdowns and social media restrictions, poses significant threats to individual freedoms and institutional accountability.
Nigeria’s diverse and dynamic society faces challenges affecting citizens’ rights. Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and TikTok enable global discourse, but increased scrutiny and attempts to curb influence have followed.
Dr. Akingbulu highlighted Nigeria’s volatile economic environment, with high unemployment, inflation, and financial insecurity contributing to suppression of dissenting voices, particularly during sensitive periods like elections.
“Despite constitutional protections, Nigerians’ fundamental rights, particularly freedom of expression and information, remain under threat,” he noted.
CEMESO identified various actors involved in these trends, including victims (activists, journalists, vulnerable groups) and influential players (judiciary, media organizations, NGOs, security agencies).
Dr. Akingbulu emphasized the importance of understanding, influencing, and advocating for FOE&I, even in crisis situations.
He introduced the Media Expression Pulse Dashboard mediaexpressionpulse.org, offering real-time insights into FOE&I issues.
