Nigeria ranks 112th in the 2026 press freedom index, with reports highlighting ongoing threats, arrests, and weak protection for journalists.
Nigeria has been ranked 112th out of 180 countries in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index released by Reporters Without Borders, marking an improvement from 122nd position in 2025. Despite the gain, the country remains classified among nations with a “difficult” environment for journalism.
The report described Nigeria as one of West Africa’s most dangerous countries for journalists, citing frequent cases of surveillance, attacks, and arbitrary arrests. It noted that about 30 journalists were assaulted or detained while covering protests in 2024, with crimes against media professionals often going unpunished.
RSF also raised concerns over the global decline in press freedom, stating that more than half of countries now fall into “difficult” or “very serious” categories. While Norway retained the top ranking and Eritrea remained last, the organisation urged governments to strengthen protections for journalists and uphold accountability.
READ MORE FROM PEOPLES GAZETTE