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The Chairman of the Independent Broadcasting Association of Nigeria (IBAN), Alhaji Dr. Ahmed Tijjani Ramalan, has stated that Nigeria cannot exist, progress or deepen democracy without a free, independent and responsible press.
In a statement to mark the 2026 World Press Freedom Day, he noted that independent media remains a cornerstone of every democratic society and a vital safeguard for accountability, public trust and national cohesion.
IBAN reaffirms its commitment to defending free, pluralistic, independent and qualitative journalism against mounting pressures faced by media organisations and journalists across Nigeria.
Access to independent media and freedom of expression are not privileges — they are fundamental human rights.
The Nigerian Constitution and international human rights instruments are clear: journalists and media workers must be protected at all times and allowed to carry out their duties without interference, intimidation, harassment, arbitrary detention or censorship.
This is especially critical in areas affected by insecurity, where journalists expose the realities of banditry, terrorism, militancy, piracy and other threats to public safety.
IBAN expresses concern over increasing cases of intimidation, attacks, regulatory pressure and legal harassment against media houses and journalists. Such actions risk fostering fear and self-censorship within the media industry.
IBAN calls on government institutions, security agencies, regulatory bodies and the judiciary to uphold press freedom and protect journalists at all times.
The Association also supports national and international efforts, including those of the United Nations, to safeguard journalists and independent media globally and in Nigeria.
A free press is not an adversary of the state, but a necessary partner in democracy, accountability and national development.
