The media of any nation reflects its society and remains central to both the people and the government. In many cases, governments have sought legal means to control media operations. On the other hand, the press has struggled to operate within legal boundaries while retaining its freedom to receive, hold, and disseminate information.
This article examines whether the Nigerian mass media still plays its role as a watchdog or has become a subdued lapdog with no meaningful influence. It also explores what defines media freedom and the challenges affecting the performance of this crucial role.
Nigerian Mass Media: A Watchdog or Lapdog?
The Nigerian media earned its status as the “fourth estate of the realm” by actively supporting the struggle for independence. It once set the national agenda, held leaders accountable, and resisted military regimes. The media served as the voice of the voiceless, boldly speaking truth to power.
However, with the return to civil rule in 1999, many of these gains were lost. The media appeared to lose its voice and strength, raising critical questions. Why would the media, after decades of resistance, suddenly seem to submit to a less oppressive regime?
The return to democracy in 1999 came with a deceptive calm that left the media politically compromised and professionally weakened. Some outlets adopted silence or flattery. In many cases, they aligned with political interests, becoming what can be described as lapdogs.
In Watchdog or Captured Media: A Study of the Role of the Media in Nigeria’s Emergent Democracy 1999–2016, edited by Ayo Olukotun, contributors examine media developments under democracy. The book, comprising 13 chapters by experts and practitioners, provides an overview of how the media has evolved since 1999.
The authors note the growing influence of entrenched political and business interests on the media. For example, Olukotun argues that broadcasting remains under tight control, with licensing being a presidential privilege. High licensing fees restrict media ownership, while clauses in the broadcasting code limit editorial freedom. Newspapers, by contrast, have maintained some level of outspokenness due to private ownership and a tradition of civil activism.
Olukotun emphasizes that the watchdog function of the media—such as investigative reporting and exposing corruption—is central to democracy. However, this role is undermined by corruption within the media itself, declining capacity, and shrinking financial resources.
He also highlights how economic hardship, unpaid salaries, and politically-owned media outlets have weakened independent journalism. Critical and investigative journalism, under such constraints, is difficult to sustain.
Professor Chris Ogbondah notes that the media operates in an environment marked by arbitrary arrests, closure of critical publications, and shrinking civic space. He describes a fractured media scene divided along ethnic, religious, and regional lines, with each side distrusting the other.
Lanre Idowu, another contributor, acknowledges moments of brilliance but also highlights unethical practices and corruption within the media. He calls for professional development, the enforcement of ethical standards, and mechanisms to name and shame corrupt practices. He references the 1998 Code of Ethics for Nigerian Journalists, particularly Article 7(1), which prohibits rewards and gratification, noting that corruption erodes media credibility and undermines its public service mandate.
Despite the enactment of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) in 2011—hailed as a major democratic achievement—its implementation remains limited. Journalists and civil society groups spent over a decade pushing for its passage, beginning in 1999, yet obstacles persist in accessing public information.
In today’s society, the media remains essential for ensuring transparency in democratic processes. This includes access to information, holding public officials accountable, and promoting open public debate. Electoral processes, for example, depend heavily on media coverage. Media presence at voting and counting centers can deter fraud, provided journalists can operate independently and safely.
For an election to be considered democratic, citizens must have access to reliable information and opportunities for participation. Media platforms enable such engagement and allow the public to scrutinize candidates and institutions. Coverage of election-related processes—voter registration, nomination, campaigning, and vote counting—supports transparency and accountability.
How Free Is Media Freedom in Nigeria?
There has been ongoing debate among scholars over the concept of media freedom. No society offers absolute freedom—not even liberal democracies. But what enables the limited freedom that allows the media to function as a watchdog?
In many societies, media content is controlled through constitutional laws, ownership structures, and licensing. Nigeria is no exception. Yet rather than focusing solely on the legal framework, it is important to examine media practices and the professionalism of journalists.
While the 2007 Freedom House report focused on media structure and environment, attention should also be given to the norms and values that guide journalism. Professionalism fosters a sense of responsibility, objectivity, fairness, and independence.
Historically, many newspapers were affiliated with political parties. Today, even in countries with so-called independent media, political partisanship remains common. Whether operating under an objective or partisan model, journalism involves monitoring politics and government actions.
A truly free media should:
1. Operate in a legal environment that:
– Protects media freedom constitutionally.
– Eliminates laws that restrict journalistic work.
2. Operate in a political environment that:
– Is free from censorship.
– Provides open access to diverse information sources.
– Protects journalists from threats and violence.
3. Operate in an economic environment that:
– Is not subject to government financial control or manipulation.
– Encourages ownership diversity and competition.
– Facilitates public access to information.
4. Operate in a professional environment that:
– Supports journalists in holding government accountable.
– Promotes coverage of sensitive issues.
– Amplifies voices of marginalized communities.
– Discourages self-censorship.
While constitutional protections exist in Nigeria, other laws still undermine press freedom. The *Official Secrets Act* of 1962, a colonial relic, classifies government information as top secret. Conflicting court decisions on FOIA, and arbitrary actions by security agencies, further obstruct access to information. Since 1999, several journalists have been detained, despite legal reforms. Criminal libel and sedition laws are also used to silence dissent.
Conclusion
To borrow the words of Kola King:
“Whatever may be the misgivings about the unethical behaviour of the media, external factors bordering on excesses of security agents as well as sundry internal contradictions inherent in media operations, years of democracy has been a rollercoaster ride for the media. There have been many highs and lows. Yet democracy offers the media a platinum opportunity to reinvent itself and align with its avowed constitutional duty of being a watchdog for society. Despite its shortcomings, many applaud the media for its role in the political and democratic process.”
Imam wrote in from KanoÂ
