Nigeria’s media independence tested as misinformation surges

Nigeria’s media independence is facing pressure as the rapid spread of misinformation continues to challenge journalists, experts and policymakers have warned.

The concern was raised on Wednesday in Lagos at a media training workshop on advancing press freedom through science and technology journalism, organised by the British High Commission in partnership with the School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University (PAU).

Jonny Baxter, the British deputy high commissioner, said the speed at which false and unverified information spreads has made the role of journalists more critical than ever.

“In an age of rapid technological change, accurate, ethical and evidence-based reporting has never been more essential. You all know how quickly unsubstantiated information can spread and shape perceptions. This is why your role as journalists is so important,” Baxter said.

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He stressed that strong and independent journalism is key to safeguarding democracy, noting that the media not only informs citizens but also holds governments and institutions accountable.

Baxter added that the workshop forms part of ongoing UK engagement with Nigerian journalists, aimed at strengthening professional capacity and promoting credible reporting. Similar sessions have been held in Lagos, Abuja and the United Kingdom over the past two years.

He said the UK continues to work closely with media stakeholders to improve communication and cooperation in areas such as economic growth, investment, migration and security.

In his keynote address, Ikechukwu Obiaya, dean of PAU’s School of Media and Communication, said the traditional foundations of journalism are being stretched by the realities of the digital age.

According to him, while the “five Ws and H” remain important, they are no longer enough to guide journalism in a complex and fast-moving information environment.

“We must also ask who the story is for, why it matters, when and where it should be told, and how it should be presented,” Obiaya said.

He warned that the rise of untrained content creators and ideology-driven narratives has weakened professional standards and increased the risk of misinformation.

“Today, there is a free-for-all flow of information, where professional journalism competes with unverified and sometimes misleading content. This has led to distortions and bias, with narratives often shaped more by interests than by truth,” he said.

Obiaya emphasised that journalism remains a public service and must provide clarity, accuracy and balance, while also highlighting solutions to societal challenges.

Silk Ogbu, an associate professor at PAU, said press freedom, freedom of expression and access to information are closely linked and essential for democratic development.

He noted that although these rights are recognised in law, they are not absolute and must be exercised responsibly within legal frameworks.

Ogbu urged journalists to reflect on the level of independence within the profession, particularly in relation to government influence, ownership pressures and self-censorship.

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He also highlighted ongoing challenges in accessing public information, despite the Freedom of Information Act, noting that resistance from institutions continues to limit transparency.

He called for stronger accountability within the media, stressing the need for journalists to uphold their watchdog role in society.

The workshop brought together journalists from across the country to examine the impact of technology on journalism, share experiences and develop strategies to promote credible and independent reporting.

Participants were encouraged to strengthen ethical standards and adapt to the evolving media landscape, as misinformation continues to test the resilience of Nigeria’s press.