Freedom of speech, an essential pillar of democratic societies, is the right of every individual to express his or her thoughts, opinions, and beliefs without any fear of retribution or censorship.
In countries like Nigeria this is an ideal which is taken for granted. Yet freedom of speech is held hostage by political, social, and economic factors. The media is often paralysed, journalists are intimidated, voices of dissent are muffled, and critical discourse is boxed out. While the constitution ostensibly guarantees the right to free speech, the political and social arrangements of the Nigerian polity foster an environment in which freedom of speech is not always protected.
This article will delve into the issues presently bedevilling free speech in Nigeria, a country faced with unique challenges as it tries to balance democracy, development, and governance. We will discuss the government, media, and civil society actors who determine the extent of free speech in Nigeria, and explore some of the possible solutions to the problems.
The State of Freedom of Speech in Nigeria
Freedom of speech is guaranteed in Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria which says that that every individual has the right to express their opinion freely. However, Nigeria is a culturally diverse country and this creates political and social challenges which interfere with the citizens’ exercise of their fundamental rights.
Government and Political Interference
Nigerian governments have has always sought to curtail freedom of speech, especially when this entails criticism of the political elite. They have suppressed dissenting voices, punished outspoken citizens, and have rid themselves of critics. The governments’ methods to restrict freedom of the press and freedom of speech usually include:
Arrests and Detentions of Journalists: Journalists exposing corrupt practices have been subjected to harassment, arbitrary arrests, and sometimes imprisonment. Dapo Olorunyomi, the editor of Premium Times, was arrested in 2019 over investigative reporting of corruption in the Nigerian government. Omoyele Sowore, an activist and journalist, has been arrested and detained on several occasions with regard to his criticisms of the government.
Censorship and Media Controls: The government has at times sought to control media outlets through the use of state-run media or by directing private media organizations. The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has imposed heavy fines on some media houses that criticized the government, thereby creating a chilling effect on press freedom. Furthermore, the social media Bill is believed to have inhibited online freedom of expression.
Economic Factors and Media Ownership: Nigeria’s economic environment contributes to the limitation of free speech. The media industry in Nigeria is largely dominated by a few select individuals, many of whom have strong connections to important political and corporate interests. This creates a situation in which media houses, especially private ones, dare not publish stories that might jeopardize the interests of advertisers or counter their own political affiliations. In addition, economic instability is an everyday nuisance not only to journalists but also to the entire media profession, limiting their ability to investigate and report big stories without fear or favor.
Ethnic and Religious Divisions: Nigeria is blessed with more than 250 ethnic varieties and several religious affiliations. While diversity is a source of strength, it also creates tensions and conflicts, and makes free speech problematic. For example, hate speech inciting ethnic or religious violence arises out of these fissures in Nigerian society. This is especially apparent during election cycles when politicians use language which favours their own electoral base. The distinction between free speech and incitement to violence then becomes blurred, and this can cause the government to curtail speech it considers a threat to peace and stability.
Social Media and Online Restrictions
The rise of social media has enabled citizens to voice their opinions without government censorship. So the Nigerian government has sought to regulate – or even to limit – online speech on the grounds of controlling misinformation and maintaining public order.
Evidence of the power of online platforms to mobilize massive numbers of people was demonstrated during the 2020 #EndSARS protests which were organized and amplified through social media. In response the government instituted an internet shutdown in certain states and blocked access to social media platforms – notably Twitter which had suspended the government’s account. The Nigerian Cybercrimes Act and the Social Media Bill have only heighten concerns about attempts by the government to suppress free speech in cyberspace.
The Media and Civil Society
Both the media and civil society itself produce, promote, and protect free speech. And despite the challenges, Nigeria’s media scene has witnessed a growth of independent and investigative journalism. This is visible in the work of online platforms such as Premium Times, The Cable, and Sahara Reporters – famous for courageously exposing corruption in government, human rights abuses, and instances of political injustice.
Even so, Nigerian journalists have many hurdles to deal with. According to Journalists Without Borders, Nigeria is still one of the most dangerous countries for journalists, with many cases of harassment, threats, and violence directed at those who challenge the government. This underscores the dire need for tougher laws to protect journalists, better support for media independence, and, most importantly, a commitment to ensure freedom for those who speak the truth. Meanwhile, organizations such as the Nigerian Human Rights Commission and the Committee to Protect Journalists promote free speech and support its protection. They thus hold the government accountable for acts against journalists and activists, and help fashion an atmosphere that enables multiple voices to be heard.
The Way Forward
The challenges to freedom of speech in Nigeria are huge, but methods exist to address them and, in turn, strengthen free expression.
Legal and Constitutional Reforms: One of the first steps toward improving freedom of speech in Nigeria must be the strengthening of legal protection for journalists and those who speak out against government corruption and human rights abuses. Government re-commitment to the provisions of Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution guaranteeing freedom of speech, is necessary to stop the harassment, arrest, and detention of journalists for their work.
Further, any laws addressing social media regulation must weigh the need to curb hate speech and fake news against the right to free expression. Legislative bodies must take care when passing laws that could be used to stifle dissenting voices or censor criticism.
Support for Independent Media: A strong and independent media is necessary to present a variety of different views in public discourse. The government should create an enabling environment for media outlets to operate freely, including protecting them from censorship and political interference. It should also allocate grants to independent journalism, promote media literacy, and develop alternative models which reduce dependence either on government or on corporate advisors.
Media Literacy and Civic Engagement: Combating the spread of misinformation and promoting responsible use of social media depends on educating the public about free speech and media literacy. Therefore, programs aimed at raising awareness of free expression and its role in the advancement of democracy should be organized in schools and universities, and in the community. In addition, fostering civic engagement is necessary to ensure that citizens are both aware of their rights and capable of exercising those rights responsibly. Nigerians need to be encouraged to become involved in the political process, advocate for their rights, and demand transparency from their leaders.
International Cooperation and Advocacy: Nigeria can also gain from fostering international cooperation and advocacy in the domain of human rights, especially in relation to free speech. International organizations such as the United Nations, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch remain critical in raising awareness about the plight of freedom of speech in Nigeria, and in placing pressure on the government to honor its obligations under international human rights conventions.
Conclusion
The culture of free speech is compromised in Nigeria by political interference, by economic distress threatening citizens’ livelihoods, by social divisions, and by restrictive legislation. Free speech is a constitutional right that should be enjoyed by all, and yet it is beyond the grasp of most Nigerians. This cannot be overemphasized: the media, civil society, and the government itself share a responsibility to foster and defend freedom of speech.
Through stronger legal protection, aid for independent media, increased media literacy, and international cooperation, Nigeria can move toward a more transparent, democratic society where free speech is not just a constitutional guarantee but also an experienced reality for every citizen. The government, the media, and civil society must work together to address the obstacles that suppress free expression so as to promote openness, transparency, and accountability.
By Zacham Bayei