This archive report was first published on 1 November 2019.
On July 1, 2019, Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari approved a new media code aimed at tackling the spread of fake news and hate speech in the country. The code, established by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), increases fines for indecency, inciting violence or hate speech to 5 million nairas (approximately $14,000) from 500,000 nairas ($1,400).
Information Minister Lai Mohammed stated that the measure is necessary to combat the 'cancer' of fake news and disinformation, which he believes poses a 'clear and imminent danger' to Nigeria's unity. The minister cited the country's multi-ethnic and religious nature as a reason for the need to address the issue.
However, critics argue that the new code could be used to stifle freedom of expression and target investigative journalists. The code allows the NBC to work with police and security forces to enforce the closure of media stations when a license has been revoked.
Samuel Ejiwunmi, a Nigerian researcher specializing in fake news, expressed concerns that the code could be used to interpret news as 'fake' or 'not.' He warned that this could have a chilling effect on journalism and freedom of expression in the country.
The new code has sparked worries among press freedom activists, who point to the recent arrest of two journalists in the western state of Kwara. Gidado Shuaib, chief editor of the news website News Digest, and employee Adebowale Adekoya, were arrested at home by security agents in civilian clothes for questioning over an article published in May 2018.
Amnesty International has denounced attacks against press freedom in Nigeria and is monitoring how the new media code will be applied. The organization's representative, Isa Sanusi, stated that the code could be used as a tool of repression for freedom of speech.
