ECOWAS Court Rules Against Nigerian Press Council Act
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court in Abuja has ruled that Sections 19 (1)(a), 27, and 37 of the Nigerian Press Council Act fail to recognize public interest media, including the rights of online and citizen journalists.
The court found these sections in violation of Article 9 (1) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and Articles 8 (1) and 10 (2) of the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression in Africa.
As a result, the court has ordered the Nigerian government to amend these contested sections to align with international practices that promote free, pluralistic, and professional journalism.
The judgment was delivered in response to a case (ECW/CCJ/APP/31/21) brought by two Nigerian journalists, Mr. Isaac Olamikan and Mrs. Edoghogho Ugberease, who argued that the NPC Act of 1992 was discriminatory and violated their right to freedom of expression.
The applicants challenged Sections 19(1)a, 27, and 37 of the Nigeria Press Council Act of 1992, contending that these sections discriminated against journalists.
The court, led by Justice Dupe Atoki, acknowledged that the Press Act’s educational requirements, age limits, and registration procedures interfered with the right to freedom of expression, violating Article 9 (2).
While dismissing other unsubstantiated claims, the court’s ruling emphasizes the need to align these contested sections with international standards and practices.
