The Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) hosted its Civic Space Guard edition of the Journalists’ Timeout on Thursday, 30 July 2026, continuing the vital dialogue from the launch of the 2025 Journalism and Civic Space Status Report at the 18th Wole Soyinka Annual Media Lecture. The interactive session convened media professionals to unpack critical findings, rising threats, and strategic recommendations detailed in the newly released report.
Opening the session on behalf of Motunrayo Alaka, Executive Director/CEO of WSCIJ, Mariam Alo Programmes Officer, welcomed attendees to the informal yet purposeful gathering, which was designed to offer journalists a brief respite from frantic newsroom deadlines while tackling pressing industry realities. Emphasising the core mission of the Centre’s Civic Space Guard project, Mariam noted that Nigeria’s civic space needs protection and that as guardians of civic space, journalists must be able to carry out their work safely. Describing media professionals as frontline defenders, she stressed that without their relentless reporting, countless civic space infractions would remain undocumented and unnoticed.
Presenting the data during the session, Nurudeen Salako, Programmes Officer, WSCIJ revealed that the 2025 Civic Space Status report, tracked 245 distinct civic space incidents drawn from an analysis of 570 media reports across 54 media platforms. The data highlights a significant escalation compared to previous years, showing a jump from 124 incidents in 2023 and 103 incidents in 2024 to 245 incidents in 2025. Nurudeen noted that the right to freedom of expression emerged as the most frequently violated constitutional right in 2025, underscoring persistent threats to citizens’ ability to speak freely and participate in democratic life. To reverse these concerning trends, Nurudeen highlighted the recommendations of the report which beckons on journalists, media houses, and civil society to institutionalise civic space reporting, enhance safety protocols, and expand community education. It urges the legislature and the executive to review restrictive laws like the Cybercrimes Act, protect digital rights, and publicly condemn attacks on civic actors. Additionally, security and law enforcement agencies are advised to adopt rights-compliant operational protocols, reduce excessive force during assemblies, and strengthen internal accountability.
Reflecting on the findings and recommendations during his expert response, Lekan Otufodunrin, Executive Director, Media Career Development Network, urged stakeholders to view the data not as a source of fear, but as a catalyst for urgent action. Lekan stressed that freedom of expression remains the foundation upon which every other right stands, warning that any attack on the civic space is ultimately a direct assault on democracy itself.
The conversation deepened with vibrant interactions in the room as different journalists and media stakeholders contributed to the discussion, including Ayo Longe, Deputy Executive Director of Media Rights Agenda, issued a strong call during the session, stating that a campaign should be launched against the criminalisation of freedom of expression. He urged the media to give greater attention to reporting civic space violations and emphasised that protecting journalists and defending press freedom require stronger solidarity and responsiveness across the profession.
The discussion became increasingly reflective as participants responded to a series of probing questions on the role of journalism in strengthening civic space and democratic accountability. The conversation challenged journalists, editors, and media owners alike to reflect on how the profession can better protect those at the forefront of defending civic space, shifting the room’s energy from reflection to action. Participants at the timeout called for stronger solidarity within the media, a renewed commitment to ethical and credible journalism, consistent reporting of attacks on journalists regardless of the platform they work for, and more coordinated advocacy to ensure that civic space violations are challenged and perpetrators held accountable. The collective consensus was that while documenting violations is essential, it is not enough, and protecting civic space ultimately requires collective action, sustained collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to defending press freedom and democratic values.
Ultimately, the 2025 status report, Silenced Voices, Shrinking Space: Civic Freedoms Under Pressure, is anchored in WSCIJ’s core mission and vision by embodying the belief that strengthening democracy requires accountability, collaboration, and sustained effort. As the fourth edition, the publication is part of the Centre’s mandate to use the tools of investigative and accountability journalism to expose corruption, regulatory failures and human right violation.
