The Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) has called on President Bola Tinubu to translate his recent promise of support for the media into concrete policy actions that will strengthen journalism in Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, WSCIJ Executive Director, Motunrayo Alaka, welcomed Tinubu’s remarks during a recent meeting with Nigerian media leaders, where he pledged his administration’s backing for the sector’s campaign to secure fair revenue from global technology companies.
Alaka said the President’s comments show a growing recognition of the economic and structural pressures confronting local journalism.
However, she stressed that immediate and practical steps are needed to address the challenges threatening the sustainability of the media industry.
According to her, WSCIJ has consistently highlighted how financial vulnerabilities and restrictions on civic space continue to weaken press freedom and democratic accountability in the country.
She noted that the organisation has carried out research and facilitated dialogue among stakeholders to tackle threats to journalists and promote greater civic freedoms.
Alaka explained that the dominance of global technology platforms in the digital advertising space has significantly reduced the revenue available to local media organisations, placing many of them under financial strain.
She described Tinubu’s support for reviewing tariff exemptions on key media inputs such as newsprint and broadcast equipment as a positive step that could help strengthen the economic base of journalism in Nigeria.
The WSCIJ boss urged the Federal Government to introduce policy and regulatory frameworks that will enable Nigerian media organisations to compete fairly in the digital economy.
She also recalled that WSCIJ has, over the years, brought together media professionals, civil society groups, security agencies and government officials to promote stronger commitments to press freedom.
Alaka further referenced a pledge by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the 2025 conference of the International Press Institute in Abuja, where he promised government intervention to address issues of media repression.
She also cited an earlier commitment by former Nigeria Police spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi during the 2024 Civic Space Guard Conference to ensure the protection of journalists and uphold freedom of expression and access to information.
WSCIJ said translating these commitments into practical reforms would be crucial to safeguarding press freedom and ensuring the long-term sustainability of Nigeria’s media sector.