The Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) has ranked Imo, Bauchi, and Lagos as the most dangerous and hostile states for journalists in Nigeria, citing rampant repression, harassment, and restricted access to information.
This is contained in the 2024 Openness Index Report released on Thursday in Abuja and presented by Prof. Victor Ayedun-Aluma, a professor of Mass Communication and Social Change at the University of Jos.
According to the report, Imo State ranked last (37th out of 36 states and the FCT) with a score of 40.70%, followed closely by Ebonyi (41.90%) and Bauchi (42.69%). Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital, ranked 22nd with a score of 48.93%, reflecting a troubling climate of intimidation and limited transparency.
Other poorly ranked states include Nasarawa (43.65%), Anambra (44.68%), Sokoto (45.22%), and Kaduna (45.72%).
In contrast, Cross River State, once notorious for press repression, topped the rankings with 70.40%, attributed to recent improvements in transparency and a safer environment for media practitioners. Other top-performing states include Ondo (63.72%), Delta (63.03%), Katsina (57.51%), Ekiti (57.09%), and Gombe (56.05%).
The Openness Index assessed key indicators such as journalist access to information, incidents of harassment and arrest, government transparency, and legal protections for the press.
Prof. Ayedun-Aluma emphasized that while national press freedom often draws the spotlight, “the real battles are being fought at the subnational level.”
“We need better laws, more transparency, and a culture of accountability from state actors,” he said.
CJID’s Chief Executive Officer, Dapo Olorunyomi, warned that development without openness is unsustainable and democracy without transparency is “a hollow shell.”
“The Openness Index is not just a report—it is a mirror. It compels us to ask: Are our governments welcoming scrutiny? Are our citizens free to speak and dissent?” he stated.
The report also highlighted a stark regional divide, noting that southern states—particularly those in the South-South—generally performed better than northern counterparts due to higher civic engagement, a stronger media presence, and growing digital literacy.
Despite this, the CJID cautioned that no Nigerian state has yet achieved an ideal press freedom environment. It is recommended that states adopt or strengthen freedom of information laws, train law enforcement on media rights, and establish independent ombudsman systems for handling press-related complaints.
Also speaking at the event, the Ambassador of the Netherlands to Nigeria, Bengt van Loosdrecht, reiterated that a free and independent press is the cornerstone of democracy and warned of growing global threats to press freedom—including intimidation, surveillance, and legal constraints.
“Nigeria’s recent slide in the World Press Freedom Index—from 112 to 122—is concerning. While journalist killings may be rare here, the increasing harassment and arbitrary arrests cannot be ignored,” he said.
The national average press freedom score, according to CJID, currently stands at 50.1%, reflecting a pressing need for reform, vigilance, and stronger protections for journalists at all levels of government.
