African Media Barometer NIGERIA 2015 Summary Nigeria’s constitution was last revised in 2011, although the amendments were limited to issues concerned with the conduct of elections. The constitution thus contains the same provisions on freedom of expression as four years ago, when the last AMB was conducted for the country. It sees freedom of expression as a fundamental right. Although freedom of expression is explicitly enshrined in the constitution, freedom of media is at best a derivative of this provision as there is no specific mention of “media freedoms” or “freedom of the press”. Nonetheless, Nigeria’s highest law recognises the cardinal role of the press in pursuing a free and democratic society. Section 22 stipulates that: “The press, radio, television and other agencies of the mass media shall at all times be free to uphold the fundamental objectives” of the constitution, “and uphold the responsibility and accountability of the Government to the people.” Some media scholars and activists have argued that this provision affirms the right and freedom of the media to hold the government accountable to the people and is therefore an implicit recognition of the watchdog role of the media. Beyond the constitution, several other Acts, laws and legislatives instruments regulate freedom of expression and media operations. These instruments principally operationalise constitutional provisions and convey the spirit of the supreme law. The lack of specific protection for journalists breeds fear in the media. Operating under bad economic conditions, media houses are also mindful of the consequences of their reporting on business, while journalists try not to offend some newsmakers with business, political or other ties to their employers. Criminal libel and defamation appear to remain the toughest roadblock to freedom of expression in Nigeria. Additionally, a recently enacted Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act is also emerging as a serious threat. The law was passed only this year, and three people have already been taken to court over things they wrote or did on the internet. AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER NIGERIA 2015 7