11.03.2008 - Source: US Department of State

The law criminalises libel which restricts freedom of expression ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2007") [ID 19718]

"The law criminalizes libel and requires defendants to prove the truth of opinion or value judgment contained in news reports or commentaries. This limits the circumstances in which media defendants can rely on the defense of "fair comment on matters of public interest" and restricts the right to freedom of expression. Penalties for libel ranged from one to seven years' imprisonment."

Document(s): Open document

11.03.2008 - Source: US Department of State

Constitution provides freedom of speech but in practice this right is sometimes restricted, which sometimes leads to self-cencorship of journalists ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2007") [ID 23390]

"The constitution and law provide for freedom of speech and of the press; however, the government sometimes restricted these rights in practice. Security forces beat, detained, and harassed journalists, some of whom practiced self-censorship."

Document(s): Open document

11.03.2008 - Source: US Department of State

Radio stations are the most important media for information because press and television are either too expensive or the litarcy level is too low; television programs are restricted by law to send less than 40 percent of foreign content; ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2007") [ID 23391]

"There was a large and vibrant private domestic press that frequently criticized the government. Only one national, government-owned daily newspaper was published. Several states owned daily or weekly newspapers that also were published in English. These publications tended to be poorly produced, had limited circulation, and required large state subsidies to continue operating. There were more than 14 major daily newspapers, six weekly newsmagazines, and several sensationalist evening newspapers and tabloid publications. Because newspapers and television were relatively expensive and literacy levels were low, radio remained the most important medium of mass communication and information. The government owned and controlled much of the electronic media. The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) was responsible for the deregulation and monitoring of the broadcast media.The national television station, Nigerian Television Authority, was federally owned. The law requires local television stations to limit programming from other countries to 40 percent and restricts the foreign content of satellite broadcasting to 20 percent. The NBC's 2004 ban on live broadcast of foreign news and programs remained in force, although there were no restrictions on live news broadcast through international cable or satellite services."

Document(s): Open document

11.03.2008 - Source: US Department of State

Human rights violations and election-related violence is partly not being reported due to goverment intimidation ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2007") [ID 23398]

"Local NGOs suggested that newspaper editors and owners underreported actual human rights abuses and killings, particularly election-related violence, due in part to government intimidation."

Document(s): Open document

11.03.2008 - Source: US Department of State

No government restrictions in the area of Internet and e-mail were reported, but critical Internet news sites experienced server problems lasting several hours ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2007") [ID 23399]

"There were no government restrictions on access to the Internet or reports that the government monitored e-mail or Internet chat rooms. However, several Internet news sites critical of the government experienced server problems which site owners attributed to government interference. Such disruptions in service usually lasted a few hours to a day. Individuals and groups could engage in the peaceful expression of views via the Internet, including by e-mail. A 2006 survey revealed that only 1.3 percent of households owned a personal computer and that 1.5 percent of households had fixed line telephone service. However, these limits were attributed to poverty rather than government restriction. Cyber cafes were widely available in metropolitan areas and unmonitored by the government."

Document(s): Open document

13.02.2008 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Overview on the situation of journalists in Nigeria ("Annual Report 2008") [ID 23061]

Document(s): Open document

31.01.2008 - Source: Human Rights Watch

Many local media outlets enjoy considerably less freedom than their national counterparts; some have been subjected to intimidation or harassment by authorities ("World Report 2008") [ID 22268]

"Nigerian civil society and the country’s independent press are generally free to criticize the federal government and its policies, and a vibrant public debate exists around such issues. However, many local media outlets enjoy considerably less freedom than their national counterparts, and some have been subjected to intimidation or harassment by state and local authorities."

Document(s): Open document

06.2007 - Source: Freedom House

Criminal prosecution continues to be used against journalists covering sensitive issues ("Freedom in the World 2007") [ID 20560]

"Freedom of speech and expression is constitutionally guaranteed and generally respected in practice. More than 200 private radio and television stations broadcast throughout the country, and scores of print publications operate largely unhindered. However, criminal prosecution continues to be used against journalists covering sensitive issues such as official corruption, separatist movements, and communal violence. In addition, Sharia (Islamic law) in 12 northern states imposes severe penalties for alleged press offenses. The government does not impede internet access."

Document(s): Open document

06.03.2007 - Source: US Department of State

There were no reports that security forces beat journalists during the year ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2006") [ID 19501]

"Unlike in the previous year, there were no reports that security forces beat journalists during the year."

Document(s): Open document

06.03.2007 - Source: US Department of State

Private press frequently critical of government; radio the most important medium ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2006") [ID 19706]

"There was a large and vibrant private domestic press that was frequently critical of the government. Only one national, government-owned daily newspaper was published. Several states owned daily or weekly newspapers that also were published in English. These publications tended to be poorly produced, had limited circulation, and required large state subsidies to continue operating. There are more than 14 major daily newspapers, six weekly newsmagazines, and several sensationalist evening newspapers and tabloid publications. Because newspapers and television were relatively expensive and literacy levels were low, radio remained the most important medium of mass communication and information. The government owned and controlled much of the electronic media. The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) was the body responsible for the deregulation and monitoring of the broadcast media. The national television station, Nigerian Television Authority, was federally owned. The law requires local television stations to limit programming from other countries to 40 percent and restricts the foreign content of satellite broadcasting to 20 percent; however, the government did not restrict access to, or reception of, international cable or satellite television. International broadcasters, including Voice of America, BBC, and Deutsche Welle, broadcast in English and Hausa and were an important source of news in the country."

Document(s): Open document

06.03.2007 - Source: US Department of State

According to NGOs newspapers underreported human rights abuses due to selfcensorship ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2006") [ID 19717]

"Editors reported that government security officers sometimes visited or called to demand information regarding a story or source. Local NGOs suggested that newspaper editors and owners underreported actual human rights abuses and killings due in part to selfcensorship. State broadcasters and journalists remained important tools for governors; these officials used the state-owned media to showcase the state's accomplishments and to promote their own political goals."

Document(s): Open document

06.03.2007 - Source: US Department of State

There were no reports that government monitored e-mail or restricted access to the Internet ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2006") [ID 19719]

"There were no government restrictions on access to the Internet or reports that the government monitored e-mail or Internet chatrooms. Individuals and groups could engage in the peaceful expression of views via the Internet, including by electronic mail. A 2006 survey revealed that only 1.3 percent of households owned a personal computer and that 1.5 percent of households had fixed line telephone service. However, these limits were tied to poverty rather than government restriction. Cybercafes were widely available and unmonitored by the government."

Document(s): Open document

01.2007 - Source: Human Rights Watch

Journalists harassed and detained by security forces on several occasions; in July police broke up meeting of human rights groups ("World Report 2007") [ID 18982]

"Nigerian civil society and the country’s independent press are generally free to criticize the federal government and its policies, and a vibrant public debate exists around such issues. However, in 2006 security forces harassed and detained activists and journalists on several occasions for discussing issues of particular sensitivity. In July police in Abuja broke up a meeting of civil society groups convened to discuss the human rights record of the Obasanjo administration. As in other such cases, the police made use of the repressive Public Order Act, a widely denounced relic of military rule. In June two journalists were detained and charged with sedition in connection with a news report questioning the cost and age of a recently acquired presidential jet."

Document(s): Open document

01.2007 - Source: Human Rights Watch

Newspapers and radio stations reported numerous incidents of harassment ("World Report 2007") [ID 18983]

"Many local media outlets enjoy considerably less freedom than their more prominent national counterparts. State-level newspapers and independent radio stations in many areas reported numerous incidents of harassment in 2006. Newspaper editors and journalists in Rivers state, for example, reported that staff have been repeatedly harassed by security forces and threatened with criminal prosecution in response to news items deemed overly critical of state government policies and actions."

Document(s): Open document

09.2006 - Source: Freedom House

Freedom of expression generally respected; criminal defamation laws still used against journalists ("Freedom in the World 2006") [ID 18152]

"Freedom of speech and expression is constitutionally guaranteed and generally respected in practice. More than 200 private radio and television stations broadcast throughout the country, and scores of print publications operate largely unhindered. However, criminal defamation laws continue to be used against journalists. Sharia (Islamic law) in 12 northern states imposes severe penalties for alleged press offenses. Local authorities regularly target journalists who criticize them, and the media in northern Nigeria are most at risk. The government does not impede internet access."

Document(s): Open document

08.2006 - Source: Norwegian Country of Origin Information Center

In general there is free expression, with exceptions such as criticism of the State Security Services ("Report on Fact-finding trip to Nigeria (Abuja, Lagos and Benin City) 12-26 March 2006") [ID 18692]

"According to Bukhari Bello (NHRC), there is generally free expression in Nigeria, with some exceptions, like criticism of the State Security Services (SSS): «When we see examples of the SSS reacting against criticism in the media, it reminds us of the military dictatorship.» Still, generally speaking, he was of the opinion that the newspapers are free to criticise on most issues."

Document(s): Open document

07.2006 - Source: Freedom House

Government harassment of journalists increased in the last 2 years ("Countries at the Crossroads 2006") [ID 18302]

"Nigeria's fabled independent media remain largely vibrant, particularly on the internet, which is awash in competing political visions and investigative journalism. The print media, however, have increasingly fallen prey to bribery, especially as media houses often refuse to pay field reporters under the expectation that they will raise their own funds. Government harassment of journalists, which was largely absent in Obasanjo's first term, has reappeared in the last two years. The State Security Service's closing of the Insider Weekly magazine and arrest of its production manager in 2004 for releasing several articles critical of the president was particularly telling, in that the issue that prompted the arrival of the SSS and the seizure of 15,000 copies alleged that the president was planning to amend the constitution to allow himself a third term in office. In addition, the Bayelsa Broadcasting Corporation and African Independent Television were both closed for periods of 2005 for televising stories on subjects that were deemed politically sensitive. Many journalists feel increasing pressure for self-censorship."

Document(s): Open document

23.05.2006 - Source: Amnesty International

Newspaper editors and journalists harassed by security police after criticising federal government ("Annual Report 2006") [ID 17606]

"Newspaper editors and journalists were harassed by the security police, and sometimes detained incommunicado for several days, after criticizing the federal government, exposing corruption, or reporting the activities of secessionist or armed opposition groups. Activists faced arrest and violence when trying to investigate oil spills and human rights violations in the Niger Delta."

Document(s): Open document

08.03.2006 - Source: US Department of State

Overview of freedom of speech and press ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2005") [#46036],  [ID 17088]

"The law provides for freedom of speech and of the press; however, the government at times restricted these rights in practice. While there were numerous private presses that published freely, there were also numerous attacks carried out by security forces during the year. Some journalists practiced self-censorship. At times persons critical of the government faced reprisals;, for example in early May seven university students were arrested and charged with sedition for distributing leaflets critical of Jigawa State Governor Saminu Turaki. The students, members of a group called the New Salvation Movement, accused the governor of "frivolous" foreign travel and failure to develop the state's educational sector. The students pled not guilty and were detained awaiting trial at year's end. There was a large and vibrant private domestic press that was frequently critical of the government. Only one national, government-owned daily newspaper was published, the New Nigerian. Several states owned daily or weekly newspapers that also were published in English. These publications tended to be poorly produced, had limited circulation, and required large state subsidies to continue operating. By year's end there were more than 14 major daily newspapers, 6 weekly newsmagazines, and several sensational evening newspapers and tabloid publications. Because newspapers and television were relatively expensive and literacy levels were low, radio remained the most important medium of mass communication and information. The government owned and controlled most of the electronic media. There was a government-owned national radio broadcaster, the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, which broadcast in English, Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, and other languages; and 51 state radio stations, which broadcast in English and local languages. The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) was the body responsible for the deregulation and monitoring of the broadcast media. There were nearly a dozen private radio stations operating during the year. The government also operated the Voice of Nigeria that broadcasted internally, to neighboring West African countries, and to South Africa. The National Television Station, NTA, was federally owned. Thirty states also operated television stations. There were nine privately owned television stations that broadcast domestic news and political commentary. There were seven private satellite television services. The law requires that local television stations limit programming from other countries to 40 percent and restricted the foreign content of satellite broadcasting to 20 percent; however, the government did not restrict access to, or reception of, international cable or satellite television. International broadcasters, principally Voice of America and BBC, as well as Deutsche Welle and others, broadcast in English and Hausa and were an important source of news in the country. In April 2004 the NBC banned live broadcast of foreign news and programs. The ban continued throughout the year, and the minister of information announced that the government had no intention of lifting the ban."

Document(s): Open document

08.03.2006 - Source: US Department of State

Government security officers sometimes demand information regarding a story or source ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2005") [#46036],  [ID 17092]

"Editors reported that government security officers sometimes visited or called to demand information regarding a story or source. Local NGOs suggested that newspaper editors and owners underreported actual human rights abuses and killings due in part to self-censorship. State broadcasters and journalists remained important tools for governors; these officials used the state-owned media to showcase the state's accomplishments and to promote their own political goals."

Document(s): Open document

08.03.2006 - Source: US Department of State

Libel is criminalised and therefore restricts the right to freedom of expression ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2005") [#46036],  [ID 17094]

"Libel is criminalized in the country and requires defendants to prove the truth of opinion or value judgment contained in news reports or commentaries. This limits the circumstances in which media defendants rely on the defense of "fair comment on matters of public interest", and restricts the right to freedom of expression. Criminal Code penalties ranged from one to seven years' imprisonment (seven years, if the libelous material was published to blackmail). The Criminal Code and other federal Laws critical provides the provisions of libel laws."

Document(s): Open document

08.03.2006 - Source: US Department of State

No government restrictions on the Internet ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2005") [#46036],  [ID 17098]

"There were no government restrictions on the Internet.State governments continued to restrict academic freedom by controlling curriculum at all levels including mandating religious instruction. Student groups alleged that numerous strikes, inadequate facilities, and the rise of cultism (or gangs) on campuses, particularly in the south, continued to hamper educational progress."

Document(s): Open document

08.03.2006 - Source: US Department of State

Limited access to information ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2005") [#46036],  [ID 17294]

"There were no laws providing for access to information, and the government provided limited access in practice."

Document(s): Open document

01.2005 - Source: Danish Immigration Service

According to professor Utomi Journalists work without any restrictions ("Report on human rights issues in Nigeria: Joint British-Danish fact-finding mission to Abuja and Lagos, Nigeria (19 October to 2 November 2004)") [#30412],  [ID 20644]

"However, Professor Utomi stated: “state terror is not at the Abacha-level” and emphasized that the media is “still in place and it still functions independently”. It was added that the media is not only free but also almost “sensational”. Journalists operate and work without any restrictions or pressure placed upon them."

Document(s): Open document

01.2005 - Source: Danish Immigration Service

According to well-known media commentator authorities have always harrassed the printed press ("Report on human rights issues in Nigeria: Joint British-Danish fact-finding mission to Abuja and Lagos, Nigeria (19 October to 2 November 2004)") [#30412],  [ID 20645]

"John Momoh, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Channels Television, and a wellknown commentator in the Nigerian media, explained that the Nigerian authorities have always harassed the printed press and this is still the case. However, the majority of the printed media speculates in events and stories and very often it goes far beyond the limits. Momoh explained that SSS now and then have requested a meeting with him as Director of Channels Television in order to give him “good advice”. Channels Television is a 100% independent TV station and Momoh stated that normally his TV station has good relations with the government and added that the last time he, as a media person, was called in for a “chat” with the authorities was back in 1993. Channels Television was set up in 1995 and the TV station has never experienced any sort of harassment by the authorities, not even during the Abacha-regime."

Document(s): Open document

10.2003 - Source: UK Home Office

Situation of journalists and editors ("Country Report - October 2003") [#17332],  [ID 15226]

"6.12 Editors have reported that government security officers sometimes demand information about a story or source; however, journalists and editors no longer feared suspension or imprisonment for their editorial decisions. Local NGOs suggested that human rights abuses have been under-reported due, in part, to self-censorship by newspaper editors and owners. State broadcasters and journalists remained important tools for civilian governors; these officials used the state-owned media to showcase the state's accomplishments and to promote their own political goals. Journalists complain that in many cases they are expected to rely on bribes as their only source of income.

6.13 A High Court in Kogi State ordered the arrest of the Daily Times' managing director and editor for contempt of court after the two ignored an order prohibiting them from publishing any further stories about Kogi State Governor Abubakar Audu. By the end of 2002, these arrest orders had not been enforced, and the newspaper has stopped publishing similar stories. [3] The Zamfara State Government issued a "fatwah" imposing the death sentence on Isioma Daniels, one of the journalists responsible for an article about the Miss World Pageant, which resulted in violence in Kaduna during November 2002. The Government and most Islamic leaders criticised this action, and declared the fatwah invalid, but Miss Daniels, fearing for her safety, has left Nigeria.

6.14 Foreign journalists who sought to enter Nigeria to cover political developments generally have been able to obtain visas. In April the Government announced that Time (International) magazine reporter Stephen Faris was subject to arrest for publishing a "false" report alleging a bribery scandal in the country. The magazine accused the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Professor Jerry Gana, of offering bribes of $400 (50,000 naira) to foreign journalists to write more positive reports on the country. President Obasanjo established an investigative panel, which concluded that the magazine report was false and was intended to damage the nation's international image, but no further action has been taken as yet."

Document(s): Open document

10.2003 - Source: UK Home Office

State- and private-owned TV ("Country Report - October 2003") [#17332],  [ID 15227]

"6.9 The National Television Station (NTA) is federally owned, while 30 states also operate television stations. There are nine privately owned television stations that broadcast domestic news and political commentary. There are two private satellite television services. The law requires local television stations to limit programming from other countries to 40%. The 1993 Press Law also restricts the foreign content of satellite broadcasting to 20%, but the Government does not restrict access to, or reception of, international cable or satellite television. The Government does not restrict Internet access, although an unreliable and costly digital telephone service limited access and hindered service providers.

6.10 While private television and radio broadcasters remained economically viable on advertising revenues alone, despite the restrictions that the Government imposed on them, government-sponsored broadcasters complained that government funding and advertising were inadequate for their needs.

6.11 The Political Parties Registration and Activities Decree No 35 of 1998 was passed to ensure equal allocation of time and similarity of subject matter in political broadcasts by registered parties leading up to and during the period of the elections during the transition process. All stations were directed to set up a complaints committee to examine complaints and appeals from political parties."

Document(s): Open document

10.2003 - Source: UK Home Office

Radio remains the most important medium of mass communication and information ("Country Report - October 2003") [#17332],  [ID 15228]

"6.7 As newspapers and television are relatively expensive and literacy is not universal, radio remains the most important medium of mass communication and information. There is a national radio broadcaster, the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, which broadcasts in English, Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, and other languages. Fifty-one state radio stations broadcast in English and local languages. There are 6 private radio stations operating. [3] In February 2002, Nigeria's government granted television broadcast licences to five new television companies. The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) approved Silver Bird, Monarch, Nagarta Communications, Unity TV and Chrome-Choffan Communications. The announcement came a day after the government said it had granted licences to 16 private radio stations.

6.8 International broadcasting, principally Voice of America and British Broadcasting Corporation, as well as Deutsche Welle and others, broadcast in English and Hausa and are an important source of news in the country. Several international broadcasting organisations reported that their accreditation renewals were initially refused in 2002, but they were later able to reapply."

Document(s): Open document

10.2003 - Source: UK Home Office

Situation of Government and state-owned Newspapers ("Country Report - October 2003") [#17332],  [ID 15229]

"6.6 There are two national, government-owned daily newspapers in English, the New Nigerian and the Daily Times. The New Nigerian publishes an additional Hausa edition. Several states own daily or weekly newspapers, which are published in English. These tended to be of poor quality, have a limited circulation, and required large state subsidies to continue operating. By the end, of 2002, there were more than 25 daily newspapers, two news magazines, and several evening newspapers and tabloid publications."

Document(s): Open document

10.2003 - Source: UK Home Office

Role of the Nigerian Press Council ("Country Report - October 2003") [#17332],  [ID 15230]

"6.3 Nigeria has a long tradition of a vibrant and independently minded press. The Constitution provides for freedom of speech and of the press, and the Government generally respected these rights. [3]

6.4 Decree 60 created the Nigerian Press Council, which is charged with the enforcement of professional ethics and the sanctioning of journalists who violated these ethics. This Decree has attempted to put control of journalism in the hands of journalists who were appointed by, and received payment from, the Government. Decree 60 gives the Press Council the power to accredit, register, and suspend journalists; and requires that publications be registered by the Council annually through a system entitled "Documentation of Newspapers".

6.5 The Press Council opened an office in Abuja, and has hired staff; but it did not take any official action during 2002. While the Decree has never been used to sanction any journalists, many journalists fear that its existence, and the formation of the Council, could place significant limitations on the freedom of the press. On 30 January 2002, Senator Jonathan Zwingina, chairman of the Senate Committee on Information, told members of the National Broadcast Commission (NBC) that the National Assembly still was reviewing the Decree 60 press laws."

Document(s): Open document

28.08.2003 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Numerous attacks on press freedom and the growing climate of lawlessness, reported ("Press freedom still curbed amid growing lawlessness") [#15536],  [ID 15231]

""The Akwa Ibom state house of assembly has ordered the expulsion of Haruna Acheneje, correspondent of The Punch newspaper in the southern state. Lawson Heyford, of The Source magazine, was arrested by police in the southern city of Port Harcourt and arbitrarily held by police for several days. And a Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) crew was attacked by police in Abuja while filming a clash between police and military officers.

Acheneje had reported in The Punch on 11 August that house of assembly members were complaining about the federal government because their allowances had not been paid. The members said this article was false and a bid to stir up trouble and summoned the journalist to explain. But Acheneje didn't come and wrote them to contact the head office in Lagos. The assembly then ordered him on 15 August to leave the state within a week."

Heyford was arrested without explanation on 22 August and held at the office of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) in Lagos. He was freed four days later after interrogation about an article he wrote on tribal clashes that killed several people in the southern village of Ataba and in which he named several people as being responsible.

Mohammed Labbo (reporter) and Abdullahi Abdullahi (cameraman), of the NTA, were attacked by police on 14 August as they were covering clashes between police and military officers. Abdullahi was hit on the head with rifle butts and his camera was damaged. The police affairs ministry has opened an enquiry into the incident, but without any results yet. ""

Document(s): Open document

31.03.2003 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Foreign correspondents accused of bias and journalists in the provinces, especially the north, were the most at risk ("Nigeria - 2003 Annual Report") [#12514],  [ID 15232]

Document(s): Open document

31.03.2003 - Source: Committee to Protect Journalists

More journalists imprisoned and attacked in Nigeria ("Attacks on the press in 2002") [#11711],  [ID 15233]

Document(s): Open document

31.03.2003 - Source: US Department of State

The Constitution provides for freedom of speech and of the press, and the Government generally respected these rights; however, there were problems in some areas ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2002") [#11802],  [ID 15234]

"The Constitution provides for freedom of speech and of the press, and the Government generally respected these rights; however, there were problems in some areas.

The Government owned and controlled numerous publications; however, there was a large and vibrant private domestic press that frequently was critical of the Government. There were two national, government-owned daily newspapers in English, the New Nigerian and the Daily Times. The New Nigerian published an additional Hausa edition. Several states owned daily or weekly newspapers that also were published in English. They tended to be produced poorly, have limited circulation, and required large state subsidies to continue operating. By year's end, there were more than 10 major daily newspapers, two newsmagazines, and several sensational evening newspapers and tabloid publications.

Decree 60 created the Press Council, which was charged with the enforcement of professional ethics and the sanctioning of journalists who violated these ethics. Decree 60 attempted to put control of journalism in the hands of journalists who were appointed by and received payment from the Government. Decree 60 gave the Press Council the power to accredit, register, and suspend journalists; required that publications be registered by the Council annually through a system entitled "Documentation of Newspapers;" and empowered the Council to approve a code of professional and ethical conduct to guide the press and to ensure compliance by journalists (Sec. 2a)."

Document(s): Open document

31.03.2003 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Foreign correspondents accused of bias and journalists in the provinces, especially the north, were the most at risk ("Nigeria - 2003 Annual Report") [#12514],  [ID 15235]

Document(s): Open document

03.05.2002 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Reporters Sans Frontières: Gewaltsame Konflikte im Norden des Landes bedrohen die Pressefreiheit; im Laufe des Jahres wurden bereits mehrere Übergriffe auf Journalisten berichtetReporters Sans Frontières: Violent conflict in the north of the country had repercussions on the press and several reporters were attacked during the year ("Nigeria - Annual report 2002") [#6781],  [ID 15236]

"Violent conflict in the north of the country had repercussions on the press and several reporters were attacked during the year. After new disclosures, inquiries were launched again into murders of journalists during the different military dictatorships."

Document(s): Open document

28.02.2002 - Source: Center for Global, International and Regional Studies

Ibrahim: Sharia restricts cultural expression, musicians and novelists threatened ("Democracy and Minority Rights in Nigeria: Religion, Shari’a and the 1999 Constitution"), Autor: Jibrin Ibrahim [ID 15237]

"One of the effects of the introduction of Shari’a in Northern Nigeria is an assault on culture. There is a wide blanket of bans, not just of alcohol and prostitution, but also of cinema houses, video production, drumming, singing and dancing. In Katsina State for example, a number a clashes occurred between Muslim musicians and Yan Hizba, vigilante enforcers of Shari’a law. While the musicians argued that the Sharia code does not ban drumming and singing, the enforcers believed all traditional music, singing and dancing in Muslim Hausaland must cease immediately (Trust, 6th June 2001).
The State authorities finally pronounced that the Shari’a code permits drumming and singing on specific occassions such as marriages and naming ceremonies. The enforcers have however refused to accept the position and continue to attack Muslim artistes and deny the Hausa Muslim community access to their culture. A related development is the attack on the Soyaya writing and video production in central Hausaland. Soyaya, “romantic” literature emerged in the early 1990s as a vigorous form of creative writing in central Hausaland, especially the Kano area."

Document(s): Open document

13.02.2002 - Source: Integrated Regional Information Network

16 new private radio stations licensed by the government, Autor: Jibrin Ibrahim [ID 15238]

"Nigeria announced on Tuesday that it had licensed 16 new private radio stations in the country. The minister of information and national orientation, Jerry Gana, told a news conference in the capital Abuja that the new stations included the University of Lagos' radio station. Four of the new stations will broadcast specialised programs, including Atlantic FM broadcasting in French; Spectrum FM mainly for news; Brilla FM for sports, and the University of Lagos radio specialising in academic programmes for the university community."

Document(s): Open document