A new research study unveiled to commemorate the 2026 World Press Freedom Day has exposed growing threats to journalism practice in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with nearly half of journalists surveyed reporting physical threats and widespread self-censorship driven by fear, legal pressure and economic hardship.
The study, titled “The State of Journalism in Nigeria: Examining the Challenges Faced by Journalists in Abuja”, was conducted by Nigerian journalist and researcher, Ediri Oyibo, as part of an academic inquiry into the realities confronting media practitioners in Abuja.
The findings were presented during the official unveiling of the book, Journalism NeXt: A Comprehensive Guide to Modern Journalism, authored by Oyibo, who is also the Editor of TNG.
Drawing responses from 200 journalists across print, broadcast and online media organisations in Abuja, the study revealed that journalists continue to operate under difficult conditions characterised by harassment, legal intimidation, financial instability and ethical challenges.
According to the report, 47 per cent of journalists surveyed said they had been physically threatened or assaulted while carrying out their professional duties, while 50 per cent disclosed that they had experienced harassment from security agents during reporting assignments.
Another 33 per cent said they had been subjected to monitoring or surveillance due to their journalism activities.
The research also highlighted a growing culture of self-censorship among journalists in Nigeria. Approximately 64 per cent of respondents admitted that they censor themselves while reporting, largely because of fears of arrest, harassment or possible legal consequences.
More than half of the respondents further stated that they deliberately avoid sensitive political issues for fear of reprisals.
The study identified legal instruments such as the Cybercrime Act and defamation laws as major contributors to the climate of fear within the media industry. About 67 per cent of respondents agreed that existing legal frameworks negatively impact press freedom and reporting practices in Nigeria.
Although only about one-third of respondents said they had personally faced legal threats because of their reports, over 62 per cent indicated that they knew colleagues who had been detained due to journalism-related activities.
The report argued that these developments suggest increasing authoritarian tendencies within Nigeria’s media environment despite constitutional guarantees of press freedom under Sections 22 and 39 of the Nigerian Constitution.
Beyond safety concerns, the study pointed to economic hardship as a major factor weakening ethical journalism standards in the country.
According to the findings, financial insecurity was strongly linked to both self-censorship and ethical compromise among journalists. One in four respondents admitted to accepting payments capable of influencing editorial decisions and news coverage, a practice commonly referred to as “brown-envelope journalism”.
The report noted that poor remuneration, irregular salary payments and the prevailing economic situation have left many journalists vulnerable to unethical practices.
While 67 per cent of respondents said they receive salaries regularly, 26 per cent reported being owed salaries for several months. Even among journalists paid consistently, many described their wages as inadequate considering the risks and demands associated with the profession.
The research also established that institutional support systems within media organisations remain weak.
According to the findings, journalists who had access to legal protection, safety training and organisational support were less likely to engage in unethical practices or self-censorship, suggesting that stronger newsroom structures could improve professional standards and press freedom outcomes.
Using the Social Responsibility Theory of the Press, Authoritarian Theory and Political Economy of the Media as analytical frameworks, the study concluded that journalism practice in Abuja is shaped by a complex interaction of political pressure, economic instability and ethical dilemmas.
“True press freedom depends not only on constitutional guarantees but also on the practical ability of journalists to perform their duties without fear, favour, or financial desperation,” the report stated.
To address the challenges, the study recommended improved welfare packages for journalists, stricter newsroom ethics policies, enhanced safety training, legal aid support and stronger accountability for security agencies accused of harassing media practitioners.
The report also urged the Nigeria Union of Journalists to advocate minimum salary standards and ensure regular salary structures within media organisations.
The findings were released as journalists and media rights advocates worldwide marked the 2026 World Press Freedom Day amid increasing concerns over shrinking civic space, attacks on journalists and threats to independent media globally.