Media Rights Agenda urges Nigerian Government to protect civic space

Bolaji Obabiyi (Intern)

Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has called on the Nigerian government to recommit to the protection of democratic values, particularly free expression, civic space, and access to information.

Penpushing reports that the call was contained in a statement to mark the 18th anniversary of the UN-designated observance, emphasized that these principles remain the foundation of any functional and inclusive democracy.

The body expressed concern over the current state of Nigeria’s democracy, citing rising intolerance for dissent, increasing attacks on journalists, and the marginalization of women in governance as key indicators of democratic backsliding.

Penpushing further reports that the organization said this year’s global theme, “Achieving Gender Equality, Action by Action,” holds particular relevance for Nigeria, pointed to the continued underrepresentation of women in politics, public administration, and the media, noting that gender inequality remains a persistent obstacle to inclusive governance.

The programme officer John Gbadamosi in the statement added that gender equality is not merely a social ideal but a democratic imperative, stating that progress toward equitable representation must be pursued consistently, step by step, through legislation, policy reforms, and cultural change.

“Democracy is not just about elections it is about building a society where transparency, accountability, and equal participation are guaranteed. In Nigeria, structural barriers and cultural norms continue to hinder women’s full participation in public life, weakening the democratic project as a whole’, he stated

Penpushing also reports that Gbadamosi stressed that gender equality is not merely a social ideal but a democratic imperative, arguing that unless women are fully included in decision-making processes, Nigeria cannot claim to practice true democracy.

The body, beyond gender issues, raised alarm over the growing threats to media freedom and freedom of expression in the country, noting that journalists face regular harassment, intimidation, and violence, often for holding public officials accountable or exposing corruption.

Penpushing reports that Media Rights Agenda (MRA) warned that such attacks not only endanger press freedom but also erode public trust in government institutions.

“Democracy cannot thrive where the media is under siege and critical voices are silenced. Civic space in Nigeria is shrinking, and this poses a serious risk to the country’s democratic development’, he wrote

Penpushing further reports that the statement criticized what it described as the poor implementation of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011, which was intended to promote transparency and accountability in governance.

The organization said despite the law’s existence, many public institutions continue to withhold information from citizens and journalists, undermining open government principles, adding that corruption, remains one of the most serious challenges facing Nigeria’s democracy.

Penpushing also reports that Gbadamosi noted that despite repeated promises by successive administrations to tackle corruption, public funds continue to be mismanaged or embezzled, worsening inequality and damaging public confidence in the democratic process.

The statement while acknowledging Nigeria’s progress since the return to civilian rule in 1999 including over two decades of uninterrupted democratic governance and peaceful transitions of power warned that these achievements are not enough, arguing that recent trends suggest the democratic culture is still immature and fragile.

“Although democracy has yet to deliver its full dividends in Nigeria, it remains our best hope for the future,” Gbadamosi stated. “It is only through sustained, collective action that we can build a democracy that is open, inclusive, and accountable.”

Penpushing reports that the agenda equally called on all levels of government to demonstrate genuine commitment to democratic principles, and urged the authorities to stop the persecution of journalists, uphold the right to free speech, and ensure that civil society organizations and ordinary citizens can operate freely without fear of reprisals.

The organization in same vein encouraged the government to invest in initiatives that empower women politically and socially, arguing that inclusive democracy is impossible without gender justice.

Penpushing further reports that Gbadamosi appealed to citizens, civil society groups, the media, and international partners to remain vigilant in safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic gains, warning that democracy cannot be taken for granted but must be actively defended every day.

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