SECTOR 1 Scores: Individual scores: 1 Country does not meet indicator 2 Country meets only a few aspects of indicator 3 Country meets some aspects of indicator 4 Country meets most aspects of indicator. 5 Country meets all aspects of the indicator Average score: 2.1 (2008 = n/a) 1.6 Entry into and practice of the journalistic profession is legally unrestricted. It is generally easy to become a journalist and to practice in Nigeria. However, the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) is making attempts to regulate entry into the profession with the introduction of requirements such as minimum formal qualifications, arguing that it is important in order to guarantee professionalism. In 2010, the government was forced to seek appeal after a high court rendered null and void the Press Council Act, an instrument which among other things sets conditions for becoming a journalist. Currently, minimum requirements for recruitment are at the discretion of publishers. The result, in the opinion of the majority of the members of the panel, has been an influx of what has been referred to as “quack journalists” into the profession. Scores: Individual scores: 1 Country does not meet indicator 2 Country meets only a few aspects of indicator 3 Country meets some aspects of indicator 4 Country meets most aspects of indicator. 5 Country meets all aspects of the indicator Average score: 2.7 (2008 = 3.4) AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER NIGERIA 2011 13