Security of journalists in Nigeria

Abstract

Of the institutions in Nigeria, the press was central in the struggle for the nation's independence for the return of democracy in 1999. The media kept the flames burning for entrenchment of true democratization process from that time till date. However, journalists in Nigeria face unimaginable and daunting challenges in utilizing the fundamental and inalienable rights of freedom of expression- a cardinal principle of democracy enshrined in the nation's constitution. The Nigerian media environment jumps from the draconian military media laws to life threatening scenarios. The situation was a result of conflict reporting which characterizes the political intricacies of diversity bedeviling the country. This paper aims to discover why journalists lost their lives in the security challenging period during the years of uninterrupted democratic dispensation in the country. Using qualitative research methods and social responsibility theory, the paper brings into light some security tips for the media practitioners in Nigeria.