Media Freedom Project

The Media Freedom Project is an initiative aimed at safeguarding and promoting freedom of expression and press across Anglophone West Africa, including Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia.

Through a multifaceted approach encompassing advocacy, research, civic technology, and capacity building, the project strives to create an environment conducive to independent journalism and media freedom.

The project covers a cocktail of initiatives aimed at advancing human rights and promoting the freedom of the press as supported by the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, the various Constitutions of the countries we work in, regional and international treaties to which they are signatories to. This project continues to advocate for the welfare of journalists, giving prominence to the psychosocial welfare of journalists and providing free psychosocial care to more than 140 journalists across the sub-region.

Mission

The mission of the Media Freedom Project is to foster a media landscape that serves as the guardian of democracy and human rights across West Africa through research, advocacy, and capacity building.

Our impact so far

Press attacks tracked

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Psychosocial support beneficiaries

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Journalists trained

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Press releases

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Press freedom manuals disseminated

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Commissioned investigations

Strategy Buckets

The Media Freedom Project employs several strategies to achieve its vision

Evidence-Based Research

Conducting research on issues facing journalism and the state of freedom of the press and expression in West Africa.

Advocacy

Advocating for press freedom, safety, and welfare of journalists through targeted campaigns and initiatives.

Deployment of Tech Tools

Utilising technological tools to document attacks and acts of impunity against newsrooms and journalists, thereby enhancing accountability and transparency.

Capacity Building

Improving the skills of journalists in West Africa on media ethics, professionalism, and modern technological tools required in 21st-century newsroom operations.

Vision

The Media Freedom Project, under the auspices of the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), envisions a free press that is diverse, vibrant, and inclusive in Africa.