Avocats Sans Frontières (ASF) has announced a strategic partnership with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to promote press freedom and digital rights in Nigeria.
The partnership was disclosed during a courtesy visit by an ASF delegation, led by board member Ivan Paneff, to the NUJ National Secretariat on Monday. Paneff highlighted the objectives of the e-Rights Project, which aimed to establish mechanisms for independent and fair access to justice while protecting the fundamental rights of journalists. The project will also provide legal aid and assistance to victims of human rights violations.
Paneff emphasized the need for capacity building through training and collaboration with local partners, including the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ), on digital rights and data security. He noted the importance of ensuring citizens understand how to protect their electronic rights and the risks associated with digital tools. ASF also expressed interest in working with IIJ to sustain the initiative.
He advised journalists to verify sources carefully, especially when using Artificial Intelligence (AI) for news gathering, stressed that while AI is a valuable tool, journalistic ethics must always be upheld.
ASF Country Director, Angela Uzoma, reiterated the organization’s commitment to supporting journalists, particularly through legal aid in cases of harassment, arrest, or intimidation. She stated that ASF’s focus is to ensure a safe online space for journalists to engage freely. She also noted that ASF has already taken up legal cases involving journalists in Lagos and Kano, urging media professionals to seek legal representation and collaborate with organizations like ASF to resist undue pressure or forced apologies that could weaken press freedom.
NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, commended ASF for its commitment to Nigerian journalists and pledged the union’s support in amplifying the e-Rights Project. He assured that NUJ would work closely with ASF to ensure the initiative succeeds, adding that the union is committed to creating more visibility for digital rights issues.
He called for a review of Nigeria’s Cybercrime Act, described it as a major obstacle to journalistic freedom. Yahya emphasized the importance of standing firm against laws that hinder press freedom and promised that NUJ would collaborate with ASF to challenge digital rights violations while providing legal support for affected journalists.
He also disclosed NUJ’s plans to restructure the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ) and establish a radio station to enhance practical journalism training. He explained that the station would serve as a platform for holding the government and citizens accountable while equipping journalists with relevant skills.
The event was attended by NUJ National Secretary Achike Chudu, Deputy National Secretary, NUJ FCT Council Chairman Comrade Grace Ike, Vice Chairman Yahaya Ndambabo, Secretary of Council Jide Oyekunle, and members of the ASF France delegation.
With this collaboration, ASF and NUJ aim to strengthen press freedom, enhance digital rights awareness, and provide legal protection for journalists across Nigeria. The partnership signaled a renewed effort to create a safer and more enabling environment for journalists to carry out their duties without fear of harassment or intimidation.
