By Tony Onyima, Ph.D.
The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has submitted a sweeping set of proposals to the Federal Government, calling for the repeal and amendment of obsolete and restrictive media laws that continue to hamper press freedom and democratic accountability in Nigeria.
The proposal was presented on July 6, 2025, to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu. It was prepared by a special committee of the Guild led by Richard Akinnola (Chairman), with Hamzat Idris (Secretary) and members Iyobosa Uwugiaren, Ph.D., Gbemiga Ogunleye, fnge, and Martins Oloja, fnge.
At the heart of the proposal is a demand for repealing colonial-era and First Republic statutes, such as sedition and criminal defamation laws, designed initially to muzzle press dissent during pre- and post-independence agitation. The Guild argued that these laws, which still exist in various forms in the Criminal Code, Penal Code, and other statutes, are outdated and undemocratic.
Referencing Section 45(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which permits legal limitations only when “reasonably justifiable in a democratic society,” the Guild maintained that while press freedom is fundamental, it must be tempered with responsibility. Consequently, it recommended retaining Section 59(1) of the Criminal Code, which penalises the publication of false news intended to cause public panic, as a safeguard against unethical journalism.
The Guild also recommended the deletion of Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act 2024, arguing that its provisions are redundant and have been adequately addressed under existing laws.
A substantial portion of the recommendations focuses on the reform of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) Act. The Guild proposed a restructuring of the NBC to remove executive interference, strengthen regulatory independence, and promote inclusive governance. Key proposals include subjecting board appointments and the Director-General to Senate confirmation, eliminating the minister’s power to issue binding directives, and ensuring broad-based representation on the board, encompassing women, persons with disabilities, broadcasters, workers, and educators.
The Guild further proposed a restructuring of NBC’s funding model, equitable distribution of license fees, and constitutional recognition of NBC as a federal executive body. It also advocated a more digitally adaptive legal framework to keep pace with modern broadcasting realities.
In presenting the proposals, the NGE cited the landmark Arthur Nwankwo v. State (1985) Court of Appeal decision, which nullified sedition laws, and pointed to progressive actions by countries like Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone that have since repealed similar statutes.
“These proposals are not just about protecting the press,” the Guild emphasised. “They are about building a democratic society where open debate, accountability, and access to information are sacrosanct.”
In response, Minister Idris commended the Guild for identifying and articulating legal bottlenecks and pledged to set up an internal review committee within the Ministry. He also promised to engage the Attorney General of the Federation on the proposed reforms. Emphasising President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to a free but responsible press, the Minister stated, “At no time has the President directed anyone to stifle media freedom.”
Similarly, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu praised the Guild’s practical approach. “I commend you not just for talking about law reform but for making a concrete and structured contribution to that conversation,” he said.
The Guild’s deputy President, Sabastine Abu, General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, Vice President (North), Hamza Idris, Treasurer, Iyobosa Uwugiaren, former president, Mrs Funke Egbemode, Dr. Yule Yau Sule, Dr. Imoni Amarere, Dr. Quassim Ekereti, Richard Akinnola, Tonia Uju Ejeye, Bayo Bodurin, and Husseina Banshika were present at the meeting.
The Guild urged the Federal Government to act swiftly on the proposals, describing the moment as “a historic opportunity to align Nigeria’s media landscape with global best practices and democratic ideals.”
