By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called for stronger protection of journalists and media practitioners against attacks, intimidation, harassment and other forms of rights violations in the course of their professional duties.
The Commission made the call on Monday, October 19, 2026, during a stakeholder engagement for the validation of the Safety Handbook for Journalists and Media Practitioners.
Speaking on behalf of the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, who was unavoidably absent, the Director, Corporate Affairs & Linkages Fatimah Agwai Mohamned said the handbook was designed to provide journalists with useful information and practical guidance to enhance their safety and protect their rights while carrying out their responsibilities.
The Commission noted that journalists play a critical role in promoting democracy, safeguarding human rights and holding public officeholders accountable, stressing that their safety, dignity and professional independence must be respected.
The Commissoon expressed concern that journalists remain vulnerable to attacks and intimidation because of the nature of their work, emphasising that such incidents should not go unreported.
According to Mohammed, the Commission has documented cases of violations of journalists’ rights, describing the situation as detrimental not only to media practitioners but also to society at large.
“As the Fourth Estate of the Realm, the media plays a critical role in strengthening democracy, promoting accountability and protecting fundamental human rights,” she said.
The NHRC stressed that journalists must be able to perform their duties in an environment that guarantees their safety and respects their professional independence.
The Commission explained that the development of the handbook was informed by the need to equip media practitioners with relevant information and guidance to help them navigate safety challenges and respond appropriately to threats and violations.
The Commission said the stakeholder engagement was convened to ensure that the document benefited from the expertise and practical experience of media professionals and other relevant stakeholders before its final publication.
Participants were subsequently invited to examine the handbook page by page, make necessary additions and corrections, and identify any content requiring amendment to ensure the document was relevant, appropriate and effective.
The Commission expressed the expectation that the stakeholders’ contributions would strengthen the handbook and enhance its usefulness as a resource for promoting the safety, dignity and rights of journalists and media practitioners in Nigeria.
