EVALUATION OF FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION AND SAFETY OF JOURNALISTS IN NIGERIA

ABSTRACT:The freedom of expression and Journalists‟ safety, as well as other media practitioners havebecome an issue of debate on press freedom and the working condition of reporters following untowarddevelopment on the media space which has become a preoccupation with journalism professional organizations.Thus, the study aimed at evaluating the freedom of expression and safety of journalists in Nigeria. In order toachieve the aim of the study, qualitative research approach was used as the most tenable means of gettingvaluable data for this study. Both primary and secondary data were employed. Secondary data came throughdocumentary evidence and literature review, while primary data came through in-depth Interview and focusgroup discussion which were selected as veritable instruments for gathering relevant data. A sample size of 100respondents in FCT, Abuja was drawn using purposive sampling technique. Descriptive analysis was carried outwith the use of pie chart. The findings of the study revealed that as much as journalists are aware thattheir safetyis the freedom the press has to take into cognizance for them to performtheir professional task without fear orintimidation, they also perceive that journalists‟ safety is a phenomenon that is not achievable because offundamental societal encumbrances. The findings also indicate that a good number of journalists have beenassaulted, arrested, killed, and many have had their rights to freedom of expression violated. The studyconcluded that the issue of safety and protection of journalists in Nigeria must be given adequate concern sincethe rate at which journalists lose their lives in trying to serve human needs on what is happening in thesocietyand which is an alarming proportion. More so, there is need for media houses in Nigeria to have safetypolicies that will guarantee the smooth operation and safety of journalists. The study recommended training andretraining of journalists on safety strategies in order to create awareness on safety tips for journalists. The studyalso recommended that media organizations in Nigeria should gear up efforts in protecting the rights and lives ofjournalists.

KEYWORDS: Journalist, freedom of expression, safety, Protection, Professional organizations.