The Nigerian Guild of Editors, NGE, has condemned the worsening harassment, intimidation and prosecution of journalists by security agents.
It warned that if unchecked, the development would endanger press freedom and democracy, which journalists, as the vanguard of the pro-democracy struggle, fought for side by side with fellow compatriots.
The NUJ raised the alarm in a communiqué issued at the end of its Standing Committee meeting held in Kano on Friday, September 11, 2026, and jointly signed by its President, Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh.
It decried the use of cybercrime legislation and other laws to clamp down on legitimate journalistic practice.
According to the communique, “The Guild expresses concern over the increasing violations of press freedom and the harassment, intimidation and prosecution of journalists by security agencies through the use of cybercrime legislation and other laws that have the potential to undermine legitimate journalistic practice.”
The editors urged governments at all levels and members of the public to uphold press freedom as a fundamental pillar of democracy and good governance, and to engage constructively with the media rather than resorting to threats and violence.
They advised aggrieved individuals and organisations to channel complaints through the Media Ombudsman established jointly by the Newspapers Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN), NGE, Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) and Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP).
—2027: NGE Demands Level Playing Field—
On the 2027 general elections, the Guild called on the Federal and state governments to provide an enabling environment for all political parties and candidates to campaign freely and fairly, including the lawful outdoor display of party symbols and airing of campaign slogans.
It specifically urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and all agencies involved in preparations for the polls to ensure fairness and non-discrimination between ruling and opposition parties.
“The Independent National Electoral Commission and all other agencies involved in preparations for the 2027 general election should ensure a level playing field for all political parties, including the ruling and opposition parties, without bias or discrimination. This is essential to building public confidence, trust and electoral integrity,” the Guild said.
The editors also charged politicians and political parties to focus on issue-based campaigns, shun inflammatory rhetoric and strictly adhere to campaign rules as the 2027 build-up gathers momentum.
The Guild further urged the media to remain professional and uphold the highest ethical standards of fairness, objectivity, accuracy and factuality in reporting.
—Economy, Roads and Security—
On the state of the nation, the Guild called on the Federal Government to remain steadfast in its economic reforms while ensuring that the welfare and wellbeing of Nigerians remain at the centre of all policy actions.
It expressed deep concern over the deteriorating condition of federal roads nationwide, noting that it has imposed enormous hardship on motorists, commuters and businesses, and urged the government to redouble efforts on rehabilitation, reconstruction and construction of roads to facilitate movement and stimulate economic activities.
While commending security agencies for successes recorded in the fight against terrorism, banditry and other crimes, the Guild called for sustained and coordinated efforts to achieve lasting peace, security and national unity.
The Standing Committee also expressed appreciation to Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, and the government and people of Kano State for providing an enabling environment and warm hospitality for the meeting.
The Guild reaffirmed that good governance, welfare of the people, peace, progress and respect for democratic values remain cardinal pillars of a stable and prosperous society.
