Research Guides: International News: Nigeria

Researcher

Madison Cooks

General Country Overview

Nigeria gained independence from the United Kingdom on October 1, 1960. The capital is Abuja, and the official language is English. The population is about 206 million, and the currency is the Nigerian naira (NGN). Situated in West Africa, Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa and has a diverse cultural heritage.

News Sources

Premium Times NG
Notable for investigative journalism. It is rated “left-center bias” by Media Bias Fact Check. It is published by Dapo Olorunyomi; he is also the CEO and co-founder. In 2021, Olorunyomi was arrested for publishing libelous and defamatory publications against the Chief of Army staff.
The Guardian (Nigeria)
An independent liberal newspaper that is committed to traditions and ideals for a republican democracy. They are self-reported to not owe any allegiance to political parties, ethnic communities, or religious groups. They say they do not entirely object to the idea of free enterprise but do believe the government should interfere with the economic state of a nation.
The Sun (Nigeria)
A daily newspaper founded in 2003 with the intentions of being Nigeria's leading news and entertainment provider while keeping the core and traditional values of journalism intact. The news site is said to be Right-Center leaning with generally trustworthy news sources but to be wary as the outlet has had ties to politicians according to Media Bias Fact Check.
News Agency Nigeria
A government-owned news agency that provides news content to various media outlets in Nigeria.

Political Climate and Media Biases

Nigeria is ranked #112 on the 2024 RSF Index. It has risen from the #123 spot in 2023. Nigeria is said to be one of Africa’s most dangerous countries for journalists; they are regularly monitored, attacked, and arrested. Until the 1990s, most publications were government-owned.

Academic Sources

RSF
Reporters Without Borders’ 2024 Ranking
RSF
Article on 8 journalists prosecuted under new Nigerian law
Pruitt Santos, G. M. (2023). The role of social media in political communication: how alternative journalists illuminate information in Central America’s declining democracies. Atlantic Journal of Communication, 32(4), 572–587. https://doi.org/10.1
CPJ
Article on 4 Nigerian journalists facing charges