Nigerian Journalism: More Banter Than Balanced Conversation –By Matthew Ma

Once upon a time, journalism in Nigeria stood as a formidable pillar of justice, a catalyst for liberation, and a beacon of national identity. Esteemed figures such as Yinka Craig, Frank Olize, Cyril Stober, Eugenia Abu, Anike Agbaje-Williams, and Dele Giwa not only served as newscasters but also as dedicated social crusaders. These journalists tackled significant issues with unwavering determination, often risking their lives to bring the truth to light. They engaged with the struggles of the Nigerian people and brought important stories to the forefront, which resonated across the nation. Their work inspired hope, stimulated democratic engagement, and united the populace towards collective action and accountability. Together, these journalists not only defined the art of presenting news but also influenced a generation of reporters and broadcasters across Nigeria, leaving a lasting legacy in the media landscape.

However, in recent years, journalism in Nigeria has experienced a profound transformation. What was once seen as a noble profession devoted to informing and educating the people is increasingly becoming a platform for sensationalism, political bias, and social media commentary. The advent of digital platforms and the relentless pursuit of clicks, trends, and virality have shifted many media organizations’ focus from balanced reporting to sensationalized outrage. As a result, journalism in Nigeria today often resembles a chaotic marketplace of opinions rather than a structured forum for objective dialogue. This prompts the question: What went wrong in this evolution of journalism? What factors contributed to the decline of a noble profession that once thrived on the ideals of truth and justice?

Historically, journalism has played a crucial role in Nigeria’s democratic evolution. Throughout periods of military rule and the early years of democracy, journalists earned respect for their efforts to expose corruption, defend freedom of speech, and amplify the voices of the oppressed. Newspapers and broadcast stations were regarded as credible institutions that prioritized facts over emotions. A notable example is NADECO Radio, later known as Radio Kudirat, a pro-democracy station established by the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) in the 1990s to challenge the military dictatorship of General Sani Abacha. This station served as a vital propaganda tool for exiled activists, broadcasting messages intended to mobilize citizens against the junta’s atrocities. The radio station, operating from abroad, became a significant source of opposition to the Abacha regime, offering Nigerians an alternative voice through programs broadcast in Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, and English. It was named in honor of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, a pro-democracy activist who was assassinated in 1996. The station played a crucial role in sustaining the pro-democracy movement until the restoration of civilian rule in 1999. Its operators faced the threat of arrest, while the Nigerian military launched a “witch hunt” to suppress broadcasts, resulting in the detention of individuals suspected of connections to the station.

Dele Giwa (1947–1986) was a pioneering investigative journalist and co-founder of Newswatch magazine, celebrated for his fearless reporting and engaging writing style before his assassination by a parcel bomb. He transformed Nigerian print journalism by introducing bold investigative formats, tackling issues such as political corruption, human rights abuses, and social injustices. Many viewed him as “breezy” and conversational, with a “detonated intellect” that made his articles particularly engaging. His writings often put him at odds with military regimes, particularly after Newswatch adopted a more critical perspective on Ibrahim Babangida’s administration. On October 19, 1986, Dele Giwa was tragically killed by a parcel bomb in his Lagos home, a case that remains unsolved to this day. He is remembered as a martyr for press freedom in Nigeria.

Today, the current media landscape presents a contrasting narrative. Many news outlets today prioritize sensationalism over credibility. Headlines are often exaggerated intentionally to capture attention, while unverified stories spread rapidly before undergoing thorough scrutiny. Television debates, intended to inform viewers, frequently devolve into personal attacks and partisan propaganda. Many journalists overlook the importance of visiting the actual scene of events before reporting, leading to coverage that is often superficial and unbalanced. When reporters fail to physically engage with the locations and circumstances they are writing about, their stories often lack the essential depth and accuracy that come from firsthand experience. This absence of direct observation can lead to a disconnect from the realities faced by those involved, undermining the quality of the journalism produced. Additionally, rather than gathering information through personal interaction and firsthand observation, many journalists rely heavily on secondhand sources from other social media users or content creators. This reliance creates a distorted view of events and deprives the audience of a well-rounded understanding. As a result, the field of journalism suffers, as the lack of firsthand accounts undermines the credibility and richness of reporting, leaving audiences with an incomplete picture of the unfolding story.

The growing commercialization of the media industry significantly intensifies the challenges that journalism faces today. Many journalists work in precarious conditions, often lacking the job security necessary to preserve their independence. This vulnerability opens the door to various forms of political influence and financial incentives, which often compromise their integrity and objectivity. Moreover, there is a concerning trend in which media organizations are owned or heavily influenced by politicians and powerful business interests. These owners frequently impose their agendas on editorial content, leading to news that serves their interests rather than delivering unbiased information. As a result, journalists may feel compelled to follow these editorial directives, thus undermining the fundamental principles of balanced reporting. In such environments, the pursuit of truth becomes increasingly difficult. The pressures to maintain profitability and satisfy ownership can compromise journalistic integrity, lead to the pursuit of personal agendas, and neglect the public’s right to informed discourse. Thus, the quality of news coverage deteriorates, leaving audiences with a skewed perception of events and impeding their understanding and engagement with critical societal issues.

Despite the challenges confronting the media landscape in Nigeria, there is still a positive aspect to highlight. Numerous professional journalists and esteemed media organizations are committed to upholding ethical standards in their reporting. These dedicated individuals and institutions serve as vital pillars of democracy, working diligently to ensure the public receives information accurately and with integrity. To further strengthen this organization, a collective effort is essential to uphold the principles of truth, fairness, and accountability in journalism. This can be achieved through various means. For instance, media regulatory bodies should prioritize enforcing high ethical standards, ensuring compliance, and combating misinformation. Additionally, journalism schools should integrate comprehensive ethics training and fact-checking practices into their curricula, equipping future journalists with the tools to navigate the complexities of modern reporting.

Civil society organizations play a crucial role in shaping the media landscape, acting as essential advocates for accountability and integrity. Our mission extends beyond mere observation; it involves actively promoting transparency through initiatives that encourage ethical journalism practices. This includes supporting training programs for journalists on best practices, fostering media literacy among the public, and advocating for policies that safeguard freedom of the press. Once we implement these actions, we can contribute to the development of a more informed citizenry and work towards restoring public trust in the media, which has waned in recent years. Our goal is to foster a media landscape that prioritizes truth, accuracy, and the public interest, thereby strengthening democracy and enhancing civic engagement.

Let us not forget the role of audiences in today’s information landscape. In an era characterized by rapid information dissemination and striking headlines, consumers of news must engage with the material they encounter thoughtfully and discerningly. This means not merely absorbing content passively but actively questioning its source, credibility, and intent. Once we foster a critical mindset, individuals can navigate the complexities of modern media more effectively and make informed decisions grounded in well-rounded perspectives, rather than being swayed by sensationalism or misinformation.

Today, we have lost sight of our responsibility to maintain high standards of accountability in journalism. Over time, our commitment to integrity has waned, leading to a decline in trustworthiness. We have overlooked the fact that the media is not merely a profitable industry; it is a platform for serving the public interest and upholding the principles of transparency and truth. Journalism functions as a tool for national development, rather than simply a source of entertainment or political conflict. Nigeria requires a media culture that fosters informed debate, balanced perspectives, and responsible reporting. Unless journalists and media owners recommit to these foundational principles, public discourse may continue to drift away from meaningful conversation, becoming mired in endless banter.

Rev. Ma, S.J., is a Jesuit priest and a public policy analyst. He currently writes from Abuja, Nigeria.