The Deputy Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mojishola Lasbat Meranda, has urged journalists to remain committed to ethical reporting and continue holding leaders accountable, describing responsible journalism as essential to strengthening democracy and national development.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 2026 Press Week organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Correspondents’ Chapel, Lagos State Council, Meranda said the media must continue to play its constitutional role in promoting transparency and good governance.

The event, held at the NERDC Conference Centre in Agidingbi, Ikeja, brought together journalists, government officials, business leaders, academics and civil society organisations under the theme, “Journalism and Nation Building: Promoting Accountability and Good Governance.”

Why this matters

The call comes at a time when Nigeria is preparing for the 2027 general elections amid growing concerns about misinformation, political polarisation and declining public trust in institutions.

Media experts say journalism will play a decisive role in shaping public discourse, helping citizens make informed decisions and ensuring elected officials remain accountable.

Addressing participants, Meranda described the conference theme as both timely and significant.

She urged journalists to remain faithful to the ethics of the profession while ensuring public office holders are held accountable for their actions.

According to her, a vibrant and responsible media remains one of democracy’s strongest safeguards and contributes directly to sustainable national development.

Journalism remains democracy’s watchdog

Delivering the keynote lecture, media scholar Dr. Festus Oshoba described journalism as more than a profession, calling it a public trust that underpins democracy and nation building.

Tracing the evolution of journalism from ancient civilisations through the invention of the printing press to today’s digital era, he said the profession has consistently served as society’s primary mechanism for informing citizens and scrutinising those in power.

He explained that Nigeria’s journalism history dates back to 1859 with the establishment of Iwe Iroyin by Reverend Henry Townsend during the colonial era.

Over the decades, he said, the Nigerian media evolved from missionary publications into a powerful force that championed the country’s independence movement before becoming one of democracy’s most important institutions.

According to Oshoba, journalism contributes to nation building by informing citizens, educating the public about civic responsibilities, setting the national agenda, promoting social inclusion and encouraging participation in governance.

He argued that without credible journalism, democratic institutions become weaker because citizens are deprived of accurate information needed to make informed choices.

Media has constitutional responsibility

Dr. Oshoba reminded journalists that Section 22 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended) assigns the media the responsibility of holding government accountable to the people.

He described the press as the “Fourth Estate” whose duty includes exposing corruption, investigating abuse of power, verifying facts, defending public interest and strengthening the rule of law.

He said responsible journalism creates an environment where leaders are compelled to act transparently because they know their actions are subject to public scrutiny.

According to him, accountability remains the cornerstone of good governance, making investigative journalism one of democracy’s most valuable tools.

Technology changing journalism

The keynote speaker acknowledged that journalism has changed dramatically because of digital technology and social media.

While these innovations have expanded access to information and encouraged citizen journalism, he warned that they have also fuelled misinformation, disinformation and declining ethical standards.

He said journalists must embrace digital innovation and artificial intelligence while maintaining professional values of accuracy, fairness, verification and balance.

Dr. Oshoba also identified political interference, attacks on press freedom, economic hardship facing media organisations and safety risks confronting journalists as major threats to independent journalism.

He recommended stronger legal protections for press freedom, continuous professional training, improved ethical standards and closer collaboration between media organisations, civil society and government institutions.

Lessons from Nigeria

To illustrate journalism’s impact, Oshoba cited several examples from Nigeria.

These included investigations into the 2016 budget padding controversy, extensive media coverage of the #EndSARS protests, reporting on electoral violence before the 2019 general elections, scrutiny of COVID-19 intervention funds and investigative reports highlighting environmental degradation in the Niger Delta.

He said these examples demonstrate journalism’s ability to expose wrongdoing, promote transparency and influence public policy.

According to him, journalism succeeds when it empowers citizens with credible information rather than sensational headlines.

Business leader: Credibility is journalism’s greatest asset

Chairman of the occasion and Chairman/Managing Director of BOCA Energy Resources Ltd and BOCA IT Systems Ltd, Engr. James Ukachukwu, said the success of both journalism and business depends on one critical value—trust.

He described credible journalism as the foundation upon which democratic societies thrive.

“If crude oil powers economies and technology powers innovation, then credible journalism powers democracy. Without trustworthy information, societies drift; with it, nations progress.”

Ukachukwu said credibility is the shared currency of journalists and business leaders.

“In business, once trust is lost, customers walk away. In journalism, once credibility is compromised, audiences do the same. Trust, therefore, remains our shared capital.”

He encouraged journalists to embrace innovation without sacrificing professional ethics.

“Technology will continue to evolve, but ethical journalism must remain constant.”

He added that BOCA Energy Resources Ltd and BOCA IT Systems Ltd would continue supporting initiatives that promote professional journalism, media excellence and informed public discourse.

NUJ Chairman reminds journalists of constitutional duty

Earlier, Chairman of the NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel, Lagos State Council, Comrade Abraham Akpabio, said the annual Press Week was organised to stimulate conversations around governance, leadership and national development.

He noted that with preparations gradually gathering momentum for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, journalists have a greater responsibility to promote national unity and strengthen democratic institutions.

Akpabio reminded journalists that Section 22 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) mandates the media to hold government accountable on behalf of the people.

“We must help keep our country and citizens intact and united, and ensure that Nigeria is not a federation of ethnicities but rather a nation of citizens.”

He thanked the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists at both national and Lagos State levels, members of the planning committee, patrons, corporate organisations and award recipients for contributing to the success of the event.

Why journalism matters to ordinary Nigerians

The discussions at the conference extended beyond the newsroom, focusing on how journalism affects everyday life.

Speakers noted that accurate reporting helps citizens understand government policies, monitor the use of public funds and participate more effectively in democratic processes.

They argued that investigative journalism has repeatedly exposed corruption, influenced policy reforms and strengthened public institutions.

Media experts at the event also warned that the rapid spread of false information on digital platforms makes professional journalism more important than ever.

According to them, the ability of journalists to verify facts before publication remains one of the strongest defences against misinformation.

Challenges confronting Nigerian journalism

Despite its achievements, speakers acknowledged that journalism in Nigeria continues to face significant obstacles.

These include political pressure, attacks on press freedom, economic difficulties affecting media organisations, declining advertising revenue, misinformation on social media and security risks confronting journalists covering sensitive issues.

Dr. Oshoba also pointed to declining ethical standards in some quarters of the profession, warning that sacrificing accuracy for speed or sensationalism ultimately weakens public confidence in the media.

He stressed that strengthening journalism requires investment in training, technology, investigative reporting and digital literacy.

Call for better welfare for journalists

Beyond ethics and professionalism, the keynote speaker called for improved welfare for journalists.

He argued that fair remuneration is essential if journalists are to remain independent and resist external influence.

Among his recommendations were greater transparency in media ownership, stronger professional unions, sustainable business models for news organisations, increased funding for investigative journalism and government policies that promote fair compensation.

According to him, a well-supported press is better positioned to serve the public interest.

Industry perspective

Media professionals attending the event agreed that journalism remains central to Nigeria’s democratic journey.

They observed that while technology has transformed news gathering and distribution, it has not diminished the need for credible reporting.

Many argued that the growing influence of artificial intelligence and digital platforms makes ethical journalism even more important, particularly as audiences increasingly struggle to distinguish verified information from online misinformation.

What happens next?

With the 2027 elections approaching, speakers expressed hope that journalists across Nigeria would continue to prioritise fact-based reporting over sensationalism.

They also urged governments, media owners, civil society organisations and citizens to work together in protecting press freedom and creating an environment where journalists can perform their constitutional responsibilities without fear or intimidation.

The 2026 Press Week concluded with an awards ceremony recognising individuals and organisations that have made notable contributions to journalism, public service and national development.

Organisers said the conversations initiated during the week would continue through professional engagement, advocacy and collaboration aimed at strengthening journalism as a tool for accountability, transparency and good governance.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 38-year-old South African woman at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport after officers allegedly discovered 5.75 kilograms of heroin hidden inside her luggage.

The agency also intercepted an alleged drug courier who excreted 100 wraps of methamphetamine after arriving in Lagos and seized cannabis worth more than N10.3 billion at Apapa Port in one of its biggest recent anti-narcotics operations.

Why it matters

Nigeria remains a major transit point for international drug trafficking networks linking Africa, Europe and Asia.

Security agencies say large drug seizures not only disrupt organised criminal syndicates but also help reduce the circulation of dangerous narcotics within the country.

South African suspect allegedly used child to avoid suspicion

According to the NDLEA, the suspect, identified as Ms Will Jessica Ann, was arrested on Monday, 6 July, during the clearance of passengers arriving on Qatar Airways Flight QR1433 from Doha.

Investigators said she initially denied checking in any luggage before officers linked two suitcases to baggage tags attached to her passport.

The bags were later searched, leading to the recovery of 14 large blocks of heroin weighing 5.75kg, the agency said.

The NDLEA said intelligence reports indicate that the suspect travelled from Cambodia through Doha and is believed to be part of a transnational drug trafficking network allegedly operated alongside her husband or partner, Jan Coenraad De Jager, between Cambodia and South Africa.

The agency alleges that she travelled with her three-year-old son in an attempt to avoid detailed security screening.

Motorcycle rider excretes 100 wraps of methamphetamine

In a separate operation, NDLEA officers at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos arrested 48-year-old Onyechere Daniel Chinadu, a commercial motorcycle rider, after he arrived from Madagascar via Addis Ababa.

Officers said they initially recovered 87 wraps of methamphetamine hidden inside his backpack.

During questioning, the suspect allegedly told investigators he had worked as an Okada rider in Lagos for about 15 years before being recruited into drug trafficking by a friend based in Uganda.

He claimed he swallowed additional drug pellets before travelling and was denied entry into Madagascar by immigration officials.

NDLEA said he was placed under medical observation for three days, during which he excreted another 13 pellets, bringing the total recovered to 100 wraps weighing 1.715kg.

N10.3bn cannabis shipment intercepted at Lagos port

At Apapa Port in Lagos, NDLEA officers, working alongside the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies, uncovered 8,287 bags of Canadian Loud cannabis weighing 4,143.5kg.

The agency estimated the drugs have a street value of more than N10.3 billion.

Officials said the shipment arrived from Montreal, Canada, and had been under intelligence-led surveillance for several weeks before it reached Nigeria.

In another operation, officers also prevented the export of 2.5kg of skunk, concealed inside a gas compressor destined for Cyprus through a Lagos courier company.

NDLEA continues anti-drug awareness campaign

Beyond enforcement operations, the NDLEA said it continued its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign across schools and communities nationwide.

Awareness programmes were held in secondary schools in Ebonyi, Kano, Ekiti and Ogun states, while the agency’s Zone 14 Command paid an advocacy visit to Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

NDLEA commends officers

NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), praised officers involved in the operations.

He said: “I commend the officers and men of DOGI, MMIA, NAIA, MIU and Apapa Commands of the Agency for the arrests and seizures. Their drug supply reduction efforts balanced with WADA sensitization activities are commendable.”

Marwa added: “I charge them and their compatriots across the country not to rest on their past laurels.”

Expert perspective

Security analysts say the cases demonstrate how international drug trafficking syndicates are adopting increasingly sophisticated methods, including exploiting family travel, concealment techniques and complex international routes.

They argue that intelligence sharing between Nigeria and foreign partners remains critical to dismantling transnational drug networks rather than only intercepting couriers.

Public impact

Authorities say illicit drugs contribute to rising addiction, organised crime and insecurity across many communities.

The latest seizures are expected to prevent large quantities of narcotics from reaching local and international markets while reinforcing Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen border security and international cooperation against drug trafficking.

The Nigeria Police Force has reminded commanders nationwide that President Bola Tinubu’s directive withdrawing police personnel from unauthorised VIP protection remains in force, warning that officers must not be deployed for private escort duties.

The renewed directive follows concerns within the Force that some police formations continue to assign personnel to politicians, business executives and other influential individuals despite previous instructions to stop the practice.

According to an internal police wireless message dated July 8, 2026, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Police Mobile Force (PMF) directed all PMF commanders to ensure strict compliance with the existing policy.

The communication reportedly conveyed the Inspector-General of Police’s concern that some officers were still violating the presidential directive despite earlier reminders issued in December 2025.

Why it matters

Nigeria has long faced criticism over the deployment of police officers to private individuals while many communities struggle with shortages of security personnel.

The renewed enforcement effort reflects the government’s broader objective of redirecting police resources toward crime prevention, public safety and the protection of critical national infrastructure.

Security analysts have repeatedly argued that reducing private VIP deployments could improve police visibility in neighbourhoods where officers are urgently needed.

However, they also note that effective enforcement will depend on whether the directive is applied consistently, regardless of the status or influence of those involved.

What the directive says

The internal communication reminded police commanders that there has been no amendment or exemption to the presidential order ending police deployment for unauthorised VIP protection.

It also stressed that officers assigned to guard installations designated as national assets must remain at those facilities and should not escort or accompany individuals outside the locations they are deployed to protect.

Industry and public reaction

Security experts have consistently called for reforms that prioritise policing for the wider public rather than private security for influential figures.

Many Nigerians have also questioned the widespread use of police escorts by private individuals, arguing that limited police manpower should instead strengthen community policing and emergency response.

The Nigeria Police Force has previously maintained that available personnel should be focused on protecting lives, preventing crime and safeguarding critical infrastructure.

What happens next

Police commanders across the country are expected to implement the latest directive and ensure officers comply with the existing policy.

Observers say the effectiveness of the renewed order will ultimately be measured by visible reductions in unauthorised VIP escorts and greater police presence in communities.

Credit: SaharaReporters