NHRC, NUJ strengthen collaboration to protect Journalists as commission marks 30th Anniversary

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has strengthened collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Journalists FCT Council and reiterated commitment to safeguarding press freedom and protecting journalists from attacks and intimidation

This is just as the NHRC has unveiled its 30th Anniversary logo during a Media Parley held on Monday at the Bukhari Bello Auditorium in Abuja.

In his welcome remarks, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, OFR, SAN, noted that the media remains an indispensable ally in advancing human rights, justice, and democracy in Nigeria. He emphasized that over the last three decades, the Commission has worked to enforce the rights and dignity of citizens despite challenges, including limited funding and rising abuse.

“We recognize the indispensable role the media has played not just as watchdogs of society, but as critical partners in advancing the cause of justice, equality, and human dignity,” Ojukwu said. “As we commemorate the 2025 International Day to End Impunity Against Journalists, we must also confront the troubling realities facing our media community. Attacks on journalists are attacks on our democracy and on the public right to know.”

He announced that the Commission will deepen collaboration with media organizations, including the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), civil society and international partners, to improve mechanisms for documenting violations, enhancing journalist safety, and ensuring accountability.

Speaking at the event, the National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists Comrade Alhassan Yahaya who was represented by the Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council Comrade Grace Ike,  called for more decisive action in addressing increasing cases of harassment, intimidation, and violence against journalists.

She stated that while the NHRC has consistently condemned such incidents, stronger enforcement measures are urgently needed to address impunity.

“The NUJ maintains zero tolerance for attacks on journalists. However, impunity persists, and this undermines not only the safety of journalists but the very foundation of our democracy,” she said. “The Commission must go beyond statements and fully exercise its investigative powers to ensure perpetrators are brought to justice.”

Ike further urged closer collaboration between the NHRC, security agencies, and the judiciary to ensure timely accountability for violations of press freedom.

The event also featured engagement sessions on Media Literacy and Human Rights Reporting, facilitated by the United Nations Information Center (UNIC), where journalists shared experiences and discussed ways to enhance quality, accuracy and visibility in rights-based reporting.

As the Commission enters its 30th year, Ojukwu affirmed its renewed commitment to amplify the voices of the vulnerable and hold institutions accountable.

“Your voice is an inevitable foundation of our constitutional democracy,” he told journalists. “Together, let us deepen the culture of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in Nigeria.”