Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) has urged President Bola Tinubu to back his support for media sustainability with concrete action.

In a statement issued yesterday, the Executive Director of WSCIJ, Motunrayo Alaka, welcomed Tinubu’s recent declaration during a meeting with leaders of the Nigerian media, where he affirmed his administration’s support for the sector’s campaign for fair revenue from big technology companies.

Alaka said the President’s remarks signalled a recognition of the structural and economic pressures facing local journalism, but stressed the need for immediate policy action.

She said WSCIJ had consistently highlighted how economic vulnerabilities and restrictions on civic space undermine press freedom and democratic accountability.

Alaka noted that the organisation had produced research and convened dialogues with stakeholders to address threats to journalists and expand civic freedoms.

According to her, threats to civic space remain persistent, while economic pressures driven by the dominance of global technology platforms continue to affect the financial sustainability of local media organisations.

Alaka said Tinubu’s support for reviewing tariff exemptions on key media inputs such as newsprint and broadcast equipment is a positive step towards strengthening the economic foundation of journalism.

The WSCIJ executive director urged the Federal Government to develop policy and regulatory frameworks that would enable Nigerian media organisations to compete effectively in the digital landscape.

She added that over the years, the centre had convened media professionals, civil society groups, security agencies and government representatives to strengthen commitments to press freedom.

Alaka referenced a pledge by Vice President Kashim Shettima during the 2025 conference of the International Press Institute (PII) in Abuja, where he promised the government’s intervention on issues of media repression.

She also cited a commitment by the former spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Olumuyiwa Adejobi, at the 2024 civic space guard conference to protect journalists and uphold freedom of expression and access to information.