The Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) will publicly present its 2025 Journalism & Civic Space Status Report on Tuesday, 14 July 2026, as part of the second day of the 18th Wole Soyinka Centre Media Lecture Series in Lagos.
Since December 2021, WSCIJ’s Civic Space Guard Project has monitored trends affecting civic space, media freedom, freedom of expression, and democratic accountability in Nigeria. The 2025 Journalism & Civic Space Status Report builds on this work through systematic media monitoring and analysis of incidents that shape the civic environment and influence journalism, citizen participation, and governance.
Building on previous editions – Hushed Voices and the Media’s Defence of Civic Space (2012–2022), Hushed Voices in an Election Year (2023) and Shrinking Freedoms (2024) – the 2025 report provides an updated assessment of developments within Nigeria’s civic space. It examines patterns of civic space infringements, the experiences of journalists and citizens, and the broader conditions influencing accountability and democratic participation.
The presentation comes at a critical moment as Nigeria reflects on democratic governance beyond elections. It provides evidence-based insights into the conditions shaping civic engagement, media freedom, and public accountability. Its findings are expected to enrich ongoing conversations on the role of journalism and civic space in strengthening democratic life. The event is open to journalists, civil society organisations, media professionals, researchers, development partners, policymakers, legal practitioners, human rights advocates, and other stakeholders working to strengthen democratic accountability and protect civic freedoms in Nigeria.
Signed
Motunrayo Alaka
Executive Director/CEO
Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ)
