International Press Association Establishes Press Freedom Hub in Abuja
The Nigeria branch of the International Press Association (IPA) has inaugurated a new press freedom hub in Abuja, a significant milestone in its years of operation without a permanent headquarters. This event, which took place on Wednesday, underscores a renewed commitment to safeguarding press freedom in Nigeria.
Mushikil Mojeed, Chairman of IPA Nigeria and Editor-in-Chief of PREMIUM TIMES, expressed the historic nature of this development. He noted that since its inception in the 1970s, the organization has lacked a dedicated office, often relying on the workspace of a sitting president. “Today, that has changed. With this new facility, we are establishing, for the first time, a dedicated home for IPA Nigeria,” Mojeed stated.
The newly launched hub will serve multiple purposes: monitoring threats to press freedom, advocating for journalists’ rights, and facilitating dialogue on policy issues. Mojeed highlighted the importance of this space in fostering a robust environment for press advocacy and engagement.
Resuming Efforts to Hold Public Officials Accountable
During the inauguration, Mojeed vowed to intensify efforts to hold public officials accountable for actions undermining press freedom. He recalled that in December 2025, IPA Nigeria placed three individuals—Mr. Mohammed Umar Bago, Mr. Umo Eno, and former Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun—on its “Notice Book” due to alleged violations of press freedom. Despite previously delaying further action following Vice President Kassim Shettima’s request for stakeholder engagement, Mojeed asserted that concerns remain “legitimate and ongoing.”
He announced a revival of IPA Nigeria’s campaign, including global advocacy efforts, emphasizing that silence in the face of persistent violations is no longer an option. “We do not take this action lightly, but we cannot stand idly by while rights are trampled,” he added.
Establishing a Stronger Foundation for Rights Protection
Mojeed emphasized that this new facility marks a transition to a more organized and visible phase of advocacy for press freedom in Nigeria. “This press freedom hub is more than just a building. It represents a commitment to structured, visible, and resolute efforts in defending press freedom in Nigeria,” he explained.
Ahmed Shekarau, the Director-General of IPA Nigeria, further elaborated that the hub will enhance the organization’s capacity to promote media freedom while supporting journalists. He acknowledged that although the facility may appear modest, its vision is anything but small.
Highlighting the Media’s Essential Role in Democracy
The inauguration was graced by Amina Salif, deputy director of the MacArthur Foundation’s Africa office, who underscored journalism’s pivotal role in democratic development. “Journalism is the necessary information infrastructure for any democracy…without it, there can be no true democracy,” she remarked. Salif commended IPA Nigeria for its commitment to accountability and the protection of journalists, emphasizing the organization’s crucial partnership in promoting media freedom.
In closing, Fidelis Mbah, Vice President of IPA Nigeria, expressed gratitude to attendees and reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to fostering a safer environment for journalists. He pledged to utilize the hub effectively to advance advocacy efforts and bolster independent journalism across the nation. This event, commemorating World Press Freedom Day, gathered media experts, policymakers, and development partners, reflecting a renewed focus on enhancing the state of press freedom in Nigeria.
