The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to emulate the Department of State Services (DSS) by respecting the rights of journalists and creating an enabling environment for the media to operate without fear or intimidation, as the global community marks World Press Freedom Day 2026.
In a statement signed by the National President of NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, to commemorate the day on May 3, 2026, the union expressed cautious optimism over the recent improvement in relations between the DSS and the media.
Abdullahi noted that the noticeable decline in cases of intimidation, harassment, and arbitrary arrests of journalists represented a positive step toward strengthening Press Freedom and democratic accountability in Nigeria.
“We commend the leadership of the DSS, particularly the Director-General, for fostering a more professional and constructive engagement with the media. This progress demonstrates that cooperation between security agencies and the Press is not only possible but essential in shaping a peaceful and secure society,” the statement read.
However, Abdullahi warned that these gains must be sustained and deepened through continuous dialogue, transparency, and strict adherence to the rule of law, stressing that Press Freedom remains a constitutional right and a cornerstone for achieving human rights, development, and national security.
This year’s theme, “Shaping a Future at Peace: Promoting Press Freedom for Human Rights, Development, and Security,” speaks directly to the Nigerian experience and underscores the critical role of journalism in fostering peace, strengthening democratic institutions, and promoting accountability in a complex security environment.
The NUJ President reiterated the union’s commitment to responsible journalism and urged members to uphold the highest ethical and professional standards, guided by accuracy, fairness, and a deep sense of responsibility to the public.
Abdullahi stated that the NUJ remained open to constructive engagement with all stakeholders in building a safer, freer, and more inclusive media environment, adding that, the media and security institutions were not adversaries but partners in the collective effort to promote peace, protect human rights, and advance national development.
(Prime News 360)
