WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY (WPFD) 2026: IPC-SPJ Hub Calls for Renewed Commitment to Strengthening Press Freedom; Launches Publication
The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos-Nigeria, through its Safety and Protection of Journalists (SPJ) Hub joins the global community in commemorating World Press Freedom Day 2026, under the theme “Shaping a Future at Peace.” This year’s theme underscores the critical role of a free, independent, and responsible media in fostering peace, strengthening democratic governance, and promoting social cohesion across nations.
Proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in December 1993, World Press Freedom Day is celebrated around the world on May 3 every year as a reminder to governments of the need for them to respect their commitment to press freedom and create a safe and conducive environment for journalism and media practice.
IPC-SPJ Hub in 2025 documented not less than twenty-three (23) cases of attacks involving twenty-eight (28) journalists and two (2) media organisations. The attacks vary from threat to life, forceful invasion and closure, abduction, unlawful arrest and closure, intimidation and harassment, physical assault, murder, etc. In terms of gender disaggregation, twenty-three (23) male, three (3) female and two (2) not mentioned were recorded. For medium disaggregation, the online medium recorded the highest attacks with sixteen (16), broadcast recorded ten (10), while print recorded one (1).
Commenting on the theme for WPFD 2026 – “Shaping a Future at Peace”, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director, the International Press Centre said, “At a time when the world continues to grapple with conflicts, misinformation, political instability, and growing threats to civic space, the role of the media as a pillar of truth and accountability cannot be overstated. Journalism remains an essential force in amplifying marginalized voices, countering disinformation, and facilitating informed public discourse—key ingredients for sustainable peace and development.”
Mr. Arogundade further stated that, “However, the increasing risks faced by journalists and media professionals globally remain a serious concern. From harassment and unlawful detention to violent attacks and killings, these threats undermine not only press freedom but also the collective right of citizens to access credible information. The safety of journalists must therefore be prioritized by governments, security agencies, and all relevant stakeholders.”
The International Press Centre is therefore calling for renewed commitment to upholding constitutional guarantees of press freedom, strengthening legal protections for journalists, and promoting accountability for crimes against media professionals.
Furthermore, IPC emphasizes the importance of ethical journalism and media responsibility in conflict-sensitive reporting. As information ecosystems evolve, media practitioners must continue to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, accuracy, and fairness, while leveraging innovation to combat misinformation and hate speech.
As we mark World Press Freedom Day 2026, IPC urges all stakeholders—government institutions, civil society organizations, media owners, and the international community—to work collaboratively towards building a media landscape that supports peace, justice, and inclusive development.
In further commemorating World Press Freedom Day and promoting press freedom in Nigeria, International Press Centre with support from the International Freedom of Expression Exchange launches a publication titled – “The Unseen Enablers” https://www.ipcng.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/UnseenEnablersReportV-NEW.pdf
The publication speaks to the subject of non-state actors as threats to safety of journalists and press freedom in Nigeria.
The publication highlights the roles of non-sate actors, otherwise referred to as ‘Unseen Enablers’, in undermining access to information and dissemination of news as well as the consequential impact on press freedom.
The publication https://www.ipcng.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/UnseenEnablersReportV-NEW.pdf seeks to stimulate attention and promote better understanding for collaborative engagement around the challenges posed by the activities of non-state actors in undermining the environment conducive for the practice of journalism and press freedom in Nigeria.
A peaceful future is only possible where the press is free, voices are heard, and truth prevails.
SGD:
Melody Akinjiyan
Press Freedom Officer, IPC
melodyakinjiyan@ipcng.org
