By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
Former President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Chris Isiguzo has called for the protection of journalists and the journalism profession in Nigeria amid deepening threats from the digital media space.
He noted that new digital tools are flooding the information space with unchecked misinformation unregulated online content, and the lack of legislative protection for journalists could further endanger the country’s democracy.
Isiguzo, who spoke at the NUJ FCT 2025 Capacity Building Programme for Information and Media Officers in Keffi, said that the proliferation of digital tools and the rapid expansion of social media have created an environment where non-professionals now dominate the information landscape, often with damaging consequences.
“If we can not attack it headlong, then we will be in trouble. The tools we have now are available to our younger generation, and they can do anything with them. The professionals must have to take over—be it social media or whatever name you call it—to be able to displace the people who are having free access.”
“Social media influencers, content creators, they are churning out all sorts, but the professionals must be there to control.”
The former NUJ president warned that the “fifth law of misinformation” is now causing chaos and mayhem, worsened by the activities of citizen journalists who operate without gatekeeping or ethical checks.
“Whatever you turn out must contain true information, so whoever is reading what you are publishing will say, ‘This is a professional doing the job,’” he said.
He further lamented that Nigeria still lacks a legal framework for protecting journalists, unlike countries such as Ghana, Malawi, and the United States, where media freedom is constitutionally enshrined.
“There’s no piece of legislation that protects the practice of journalism in Nigeria.”
“If the oxygen is plugged out and democracy begins to inhale what it should not inhale—carbon dioxide—then that is toxic for the body, toxic for democracy, and toxic for good governance.”
According to him, journalists in Nigeria shoulder the constitutional responsibility of ensuring accountability, but they continue to work under fear of harassment, arrest, intimidation, or even incarceration.
“Journalists are living fearing the unknown, fear of how to feed and protect their families. Therefore, the only way to protect them is through legislation.
In her keynote address, Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, said that the capacity-building programme represents a bold and strategic commitment to strengthening the journalism profession in Nigeria’s communication landscape.
Ike noted that the theme of the programme—“Enhancing Image Making, Public Relations, Social Media Management, and Media Visibility in the Public Sector”—is apt , given the speed at which information now spreads without checks through digital platforms.
“We live in an age where information travels faster than policy, where perception often precedes reality, and where a single headline, a single tweet, or a single video clip can redefine the reputation of an institution,” she said.
Ike noted that the role of information officers has evolved beyond issuing statements to include strategy, crisis management, content creation, digital engagement, and safeguarding institutional reputation.
“To excel in this new system, training is no longer optional; it is fundamental. It is the difference between being reactive and being strategic, between managing information and shaping narratives.”
She emphasized that continuous learning and training the only pathway to relevance in today’s media environment.
“When we invest in training, we invest in excellence. When we invest in knowledge, we elevate the credibility of our institutions,” she said.
“Nothing gives me more satisfaction than to see our council investing in capacity building, because people are the greatest asset of any profession,” she added.
She encouraged participants from the Ministry of Information, NCC, the military, NASENI, and various media houses to take the training seriously.
“Ask questions, challenge assumptions, interact with facilitators, and take back knowledge that can transform your work.”
“Let today be the beginning of a renewed commitment to professionalism”, she added.
Ike expressed optimism that the programme would equip participants with tools to combat misinformation, enhance public communication, and strengthen Nigeria’s democratic system.
Head of Corporate Communications Nigeria Communication Commission Mrs. Nnenna Ukoha, represented by the Principal Manager, Public Affairs Mr. Tunde Akpeji said the workshop was
designed to strengthen staff professionalism, improve efficiency, and equip participants to engage confidently within the public communication space.
He stated that the Commission values its personnel as its greatest asset, adding that investing in their skills is essential to driving positive change across the telecommunications industry.
Furthermore, he noted that the training will equip information officers with knowledge required for effective communication needed to protect journalists in information infrastructure.
Present at the workshop
were Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations Mr. Stanley Azuka Ogadigo, Deputy Director of the International Institute of Journalism IIJ Mr. Nicholas Igwenagu, Dr. Simon Sheyigar, Lecturer at Federal University Lokoja, and Mr. Victor Habila Alaka.
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