The Media Rights Agenda (MRA) recently held a two-day workshop in Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State, to equip journalists with knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of Nigerian laws and regulations affecting media practice.
The programme was organised with support from the MacArthur Foundation through the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) under the Collaborative Media Engagement for Development, Inclusion and Accountability (CMEDIA) project.
The programme, which began on Tuesday and ended on Wednesday, covered a range of topics and issues crucial to the practice of journalism, including national, regional and international frameworks on freedom of expression, press freedom and the safety of journalists.
Cross section of participants at the MRA workshop in Abeokuta, Ogun State
Others include legal frameworks that are detrimental and beneficial to press freedom in Nigeria, digital security and common digital threats to journalistic practice, ethics in journalistic practice in Nigeria, how to avoid legal liabilities as a journalist, and how to protect confidential information, systems, sources and contacts.
The workshop was attended by around 30 participants, including media professionals from broadcast, print and online media from different states.
The director speaks
In the rapidly evolving media landscape, workshops like this are more important than ever, said Edetean Ojo, MRA Executive Director, in his opening remarks.
MRA Legal Officer Obioma Okonkwo briefs journalists on Nigerian laws that undermine press freedom in Abeokuta, Ogun State
Mr Ojo said the workshop aims to ensure that journalists have basic knowledge of the legal landscape governing the profession.
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“These workshops also improve their ability to report accurately, responsibly and fairly, which is essential to maintaining public trust and upholding the principles of democracy,” he said.
“Therefore, by investing your time in participating in such a program, you not only improve your competence and confidence, but you can also become more resilient and innovative, which in turn strengthens the overall quality of journalism and its critical role in informing and empowering the public.”
How to avoid legal liability as a journalist
Mr. Ojo described legal liability as an adverse legal consequence resulting from one's action or inaction and which can arise under civil or criminal laws.
He said defamation lawsuits or claims are possibly the most common legal problem for journalists and media organizations.
He urged journalists to be well versed in defamation laws to avoid being sued for defamation.
“Always double-check your information and try to verify the facts from multiple credible sources before posting,” Ojo advised.
“Clearly separate opinion pieces from factual reporting and use accurate quotes.”
Even after conducting due diligence, defamation complaints can sometimes be filed against a journalist, Ojo said.
Cross section of participants at the MRA workshop in Abeokuta, Ogun State
“But there are defenses available to a journalist or media organization facing a defamation lawsuit.
“It is essential to understand the defenses available, including truth, privilege, fair comment, innocent dissemination, consent and retraction.”
Obioma Okonkwo, MRA Legal Officer, mentioned some laws that impact press freedom such as the Nigerian Press Council Act, the Penal Code Act, the National Health Act, the Child Rights Act, the Cybercrime Act, the Official Secrecy Act and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) code.
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The NBC code, for example, does not respect the principle of fair viewing, he said.
One of the participants, Maryam Olaniyi of Naijonline, told PREMIUM TIMES that the training “emphasizes the need for continued advocacy, legal reform and international cooperation to defend the rights of journalists and the integrity of media institutions.”