Fisayo Soyombo, a renowned Nigerian investigative journalist, declared that practicing journalism in Nigeria is incompatible with living a normal life, citing the constant threats, harassment, and financial instability faced by reporters.
Speaking at a media conference in Abuja, Soyombo, known for his exposés on corruption and human rights abuses, detailed the personal and professional sacrifices required to pursue truth in a country where press freedom is under siege. His statement reflects the dangerous environment for journalists, with Nigeria ranked 127th out of 180 countries in the 2024 World Press Freedom Index.
Soyombo recounted his own experiences, including arrests, surveillance, and death threats following his undercover investigations into police brutality, prison conditions, and government malfeasance. His 2020 report, which exposed systemic corruption in Nigeria’s criminal justice system, led to weeks in hiding after authorities targeted him. He highlighted the lack of institutional support for journalists, noting that many work without salaries, health insurance, or legal protection. Low pay, often below ₦100,000 monthly for entry-level reporters, forces some to compromise their ethics, while independent journalists like Soyombo rely on grants and personal funds to sustain their work.
The journalist also criticized the government’s use of laws like the Cybercrimes Act to silence critics, citing cases where reporters were detained for “defamation” or “spreading false information.” He pointed to the broader societal hostility toward the press, with politicians and corporations often intimidating journalists through lawsuits or violence. Soyombo called for reforms, including better funding for media houses, legal protections for whistleblowers, and public support for investigative journalism. Despite the risks, he vowed to continue his work, emphasizing that exposing truth is crucial for Nigeria’s democracy. His remarks have sparked renewed debate about the state of press freedom, with advocates urging stakeholders to address the systemic challenges facing journalists.