Executive Director of the Centre for Media and Society, CEMESO, Akin Akingbulu, has lamented that despite constitutional protections, the rights of Nigerians to express themselves freely are increasingly under threat.

To this end, he raised the need for collective responsibility in upholding Freedom of Expression and Information (FOE&I). Akingbulu stated this at a virtual event that brought together participants from diverse sectors, including media and civil society to discuss urgent issues affecting citizens’ fundamental freedoms.

He observed recent monitoring efforts have revealed alarming trends, including arrests and harassment of journalists, censorship, and restrictions on protests.

He argued that these actions reflect broader attempts to control the flow of information in Nigeria, which faces increasing judicial regulations that threaten access to information.

To him, social media has emerged as a vital public sphere for discourse, highlighting its role in enabling citizens engage in political debates. However, he cautioned that this accessibility has led to heightened scrutiny and efforts to limit its influence.

He added, “our role here is not only to observe but to understand, influence, and advocate for a future where freedom of expression can flourish.”Akingbulu also introduced the Media Expression Pulse Dashboard, a new platform designed to provide real-time insights into FOE&I issues, supported by IFEX. He encouraged stakeholders to utilise this tool to foster dialogue and action to defend these vital rights.

During the conversation, , participants shared their experiences regarding FOE&I and explored dynamics between various actors’ impacting FOE&I in Nigeria, underscoring the need for ongoing advocacy and awareness in these challenging times.