Despite positioning itself as a champion of journalists’ rights and media freedom, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has been accused of enabling the suppression of press freedom through inaction and, in some cases, active complicity.
Although the NUJ describes itself as an independent trade union “working to ensure a safe and thriving press landscape in Nigeria,” field experiences suggest a troubling disconnect between its stated mission and its actions—or lack thereof—on ground.
When the Watchdog Sleeps
Investigations by WikkiTimes reveal that, across multiple states, the NUJ has often failed to defend journalists who were harassed, detained, or silenced by political authorities. In some instances, the union not only ignored violations but went as far as rewarding those allegedly responsible for suppressing press freedom.
Take for instance the former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, who has faced numerous allegations of targeting journalists. Despite this, the NUJ honoured him with a Lifetime Achievement Award in Media Empowerment during its 70th anniversary event in Abuja. Critics say this decision ignores his controversial history, including the alleged mistreatment of media personnel during his tenure.
Similarly, in Gombe State, while journalist Hassan Kera was forced into hiding and unable to attend his brother’s burial due to threats, the state chapter of the NUJ continued to praise Governor Inuwa Yahaya, even congratulating him for awards.
In Bauchi, multiple journalists were either detained or threatened by state actors, yet the NUJ remained largely silent. The union even named Governor Bala Mohammed the “Media-Friendly Governor” of 2023—months after a journalist from WikkiTimes was arrested on the governor’s orders for conducting street interviews without prior approval.
Dangerous Precedents Across States
From Kano to Kaduna, Cross River, and Borno, NUJ chapters have routinely aligned with governors who were reportedly hostile to media freedom. In Kano, during the infamous dollar-stuffing scandal involving Abdullahi Ganduje, the NUJ presented the then-governor with an award, even as journalist Jaafar Jaafar faced persecution for exposing the scandal.
In Kaduna, the NUJ maintained ties with former Governor Nasir El-Rufai, despite accusations of targeting journalists like Ibanga Isine under the Cybercrime Act. The same law has also been used by other governors, including Ben Ayade of Cross River and Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, to clamp down on critical reporting.
A Shrinking Civic Space
Press freedom continues to erode in Nigeria. The country ranks 112th out of 180 in the 2024 global press freedom index. A key reason cited by watchdogs like Reporters Without Borders is the unchecked power of governors who use both legal and illegal means to silence journalists.
In Bauchi, four long-serving female journalists from the State-owned Bauchi Radio Corporation (BRC) were dismissed in 2023 after allegedly making off-air comments about the First Lady. No evidence was presented, and neither the NUJ nor RATTAWU publicly intervened.
A Pattern of Silence
In Gombe again, journalists were arrested for reporting on the demolition of a political opponent’s campaign office. In 2022, Dahiru Kera, publisher of Daylight Reporter, was declared persona non grata and forced into exile.
Many of these cases, spanning 2022 to 2025, share a common thread: the NUJ’s failure to act.
Union Denies Allegations
Responding to the allegations, NUJ President Comrade Alhassan Yahya denied claims of complicity, insisting the union has always stood by journalists.
“As a former zonal vice president, I personally intervened in the case of Haruna when he had issues with political figures,” Yahya said. He added that the union has a vetting process before giving out awards and vowed to re-strategise operations under his leadership.
“We condemn the harassment of journalists in all forms,” he said. “However, journalists must also adhere to the code of ethics and operate within the law.”
What the NUJ Constitution Says
Article 2 of the NUJ Constitution defines its core mission as “safeguarding the freedom of the press and protecting journalists’ rights to engage in legitimate professional activities.”
Yet, observers argue that the union’s recent track record reflects more alignment with powerful state actors than with its own members.
Source@ Sahara Reporter
