Nigeria drops ranking on world press freedom index
A very concerning topic!
Yes, Nigeria has indeed dropped in the World Press Freedom Index (WPFI) ranking, which is an annual report published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF). The index assesses the state of press freedom in 180 countries around the world.
According to the 2022 WPFI report, Nigeria has dropped 12 places to 120th position out of 180 countries, with a score of 44.65 out of 100. This is a significant decline from its previous ranking of 108th in 2021.
The report highlights several concerns, including:
- Violence against journalists: Nigeria has seen a surge in attacks on journalists, with many facing physical violence, intimidation, and even murder.
- Censorship: The government has been accused of censoring the media, particularly online, and restricting access to information.
- Lack of accountability: Those responsible for attacks on journalists and media outlets often go unpunished, creating a culture of impunity.
- Self-censorship: Many journalists practice self-censorship due to fear of reprisal, which limits the scope of reporting and the ability to hold those in power accountable.
The decline in Nigeria's ranking is a cause for concern, as it reflects a deteriorating environment for press freedom and the ability of journalists to do their job without fear of reprisal. This can have far-reaching consequences for democracy, accountability, and the protection of human rights.
It is essential for the Nigerian government to take concrete steps to address these concerns and ensure a safe and enabling environment for journalists to operate.