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ECOWAS Court Gives Judgment on Press Council Inconsistency with Human Rights Law
ECOWAS Court Gives Judgment on Press Council Inconsistency with Human Rights Law
By: Michael Mike
The ECOWAS Court of Justice has delivered its judgment in a case brought by two Nigerian journalists alleging the Nigerian Press Council Act of 1992 was discriminatory and violated their right to freedom of expression.
In its judgment delivered by Hon Justice Dupe Atoki, Judge Rapporteur, the Court declared that Sections 19 (1)(a), 27 and 37 of the Nigerian Press Council (NPC) Act failed to recognize public interest media including rights of online and citizen journalists thereby violating Article 9 (1) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), and Article 8 (1) and 10 (2) of the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression in Africa.
The Court therefore ordered the government of Nigeria to amend these contested Sections to align with international practices that promote free, pluralistic and professional journalism. It however dismissed other claims which were not substantiated.
The case with suit number ECW/CCJ/APP/31/21 was filed on 14 June 2021 by lawyers representing the Applicants – Mr Isaac Olamikan and Mrs Edoghogho Ugberease – online and citizen journalists who practise journalism for the promotion of freedom of expression, opinion, and access to information.
In the application, they claimed that Sections 19(1)a, 27 and 37 of the Nigeria Press Council Act of 1992 requiring journalists to be at least 18 years and accredited by the NPC, 25 years to be an editor with working experience in reputable media organization or news agency and registered with the Nigeria Union of Journalists, discriminated against them.
The Applicants’ lawyers led by Mr President Aigbokhan argued that these Sections failed to recognise public interest media such as the rights of online and citizen journalists and were therefore discriminatory and violated their right to freedom of expression as guaranteed under Articles 2 and 9(1) of the ACHPR, Article 19 of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights (UDHR), Articles 2, 10 and 19 of the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and Article 8 (1) and 10 (2) of the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression in Africa; and breached the State’s obligation under the ECOWAS Treaty among other cited texts.
“For example, Section 37 of the Press Council Act, puts the minimum age to practice journalism as 18 years of age, while to be qualified as an editor, requires a minimum of 25 years of age. Sections 19(a) and 27 of the Act imposes educational qualifications and compulsory courses of attendance and training before a person can be recognized and allowed to practice as a journalist,” the judgment stated.
They also submitted that they were arrested separately at different locations while investigating and gathering information for their work, and that their arrest and detention were unlawful and violated their rights.
The Applicants asked the Court to order the Respondent to amend the contested Sections of the NPC Act to align with international practice and pay 1,000,000 (one million) USD as damages.
On their part, the Respondent’s lawyers Mrs Maimuna Lami Shiru and Mrs B.J. Oladipo told the Court that ‘journalism is a sensitive profession requiring mastery as well as regulation to prevent negative effect, adding that rights to information and freedom of expression are not absolute.’
The Respondent denied arresting and detaining the Applicants unlawfully, stating that the first Applicant was arrested because his action had national security implications while the second Applicant operated illegally.
They added that, in the same way as other professional bodies, there were criteria for registration and membership as journalists, and urged the Court to dismiss the case describing it as frivolous, baseless and an abuse of court process.
In its analysis, the Court determined if the matter was within its mandate, if it was admissible and if the Sections of the NPC Act were discriminatory and violated the right to freedom of expression of the Applicants. Relying on its rules of procedure and jurisprudence, the Court held the matter was within its jurisdiction and the case was admissible.
On the alleged violation of Article 2 of ACHPR the Court noted that the Applicants did not substantiate on how they were treated differently in an identical or similar situation. Consequently, it held that their rights to freedom from discrimination under Article 2 of ACHPR has not been violated.
While on the alleged violation of Article 9 (freedom of expression), the Court noted that Section 19(1) and Section 27 of the Press Act imposing minimum educational requirement, age limit and registration, were restrictive and interfered with the right to freedom of expression, and therefore violated Article 9 (2).
In reaching its decision, the Court also noted the impact of technology in the evolving media space with the advent of citizen journalists, influencers and content creators who share news, commentary, and analysis on social issues. Though not qualified in traditional sense, they contributed to shaping public opinion.
It drew inspiration from young activists notably Malala Yousafzai and Greta Thunberg who in their teens integrated online media in their advocacy and have attained world recognition through a free and unrestricted opportunity to gather information and express opinion.
Regarding the Applicants’ claim of unlawful arrest and detention, the Court noted that the Applicants did not prove their arrest was unlawful. Consequently, the Court dismissed their claims of unlawful arrest and request for compensation.
Both parties were ordered to bear their costs of litigation.
Also on the bench were Hon Justices Edward Amoako Asante (presiding) and Sengu M. Koroma (Member).
ECOWAS Court Gives Judgment on Press Council Inconsistency with Human Rights Law
Nigeria Positions Itself for Global Space Leadership at Satellite Week 2026
Nigeria Positions Itself for Global Space Leadership at Satellite Week 2026
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria is set to sharpen its policy direction in the global space ecosystem as Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited prepares to host the 2026 Nigerian Satellite Week in Abuja.
The Managing Director of Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited, Jane Egerton-Idehen, disclosed this in a statement issued by the agency’s Head of Corporate Communications, Stephen Kwande, noting that the event will convene top government officials, regulators, and international stakeholders to shape the future of satellite governance and digital infrastructure.
Egerton-Idehen said the forum is coming at a critical time when countries around the world are strengthening their space capabilities as part of broader national development strategies.
According to her, satellite technology is increasingly linked to economic growth, national security, and digital connectivity, making strategic investments in space infrastructure a priority for many nations.
She explained that the conference is expected to attract high-level participation, including cabinet members, defence authorities, development finance institutions, and technology innovators from across Africa.
The NIGCOMSAT boss also highlighted Nigeria’s growing influence in global space policy, pointing to her emergence as Vice Chair of the Global Satellite Operators Association as a sign of the country’s expanding role in international satellite governance.
She further cited ongoing collaboration between Nigeria and the Kenya Space Agency as part of broader efforts to strengthen partnerships within Africa’s evolving space ecosystem.
Egerton-Idehen described the upcoming satellite week as both a reflection of Nigeria’s 20-year journey in satellite development and a strategic platform to define the country’s next phase in an increasingly competitive global space economy.
Nigeria Positions Itself for Global Space Leadership at Satellite Week 2026
Burundi Presses Nigeria to Resume Crude Oil Supply, Seeks Deeper Economic Partnership
By: Michael Mike
The Ambassador of Burundi to Nigeria, Edward Nduwimana, has urged Nigeria to urgently resume the supply of crude oil to his country, warning that the suspension of the long-standing energy arrangement has continued to impact Burundi’s ability to address its energy deficit.
Nduwimana made the appeal during an interaction with journalists in Abuja, where he also called for the immediate convening of the Permanent Mixed Commission for Cooperation between both countries to revive stalled agreements and unlock new economic partnerships.
Nigeria had supplied Burundi with about 45,000 barrels of crude oil per day under a bilateral arrangement that ran between 2008 and 2014 before the agreement was halted amid reforms in Nigeria’s petroleum sector.
The envoy said the arrangement had played a crucial role in stabilising Burundi’s energy supply and supporting economic activities, stressing that its suspension created a significant gap in the country’s energy needs.
“Burundi wishes to express its gratitude to the Nigerian people, through their institutions, for the support provided since 2008 through the supply of crude oil,” he said.
“This support helped mitigate the effects of the energy deficit in my country. We understand that the suspension that occurred in 2014 took place in a particular context, driven by the government’s desire to restructure the sector.”
Despite the interruption, the ambassador expressed confidence that Nigeria would consider restoring the cooperation in the spirit of African solidarity and mutually beneficial partnership.
According to him, discussions are already underway to revive the arrangement as part of broader efforts to deepen bilateral relations between the two countries.
Nduwimana stressed that reconvening the Permanent Mixed Commission for Cooperation in 2026 has become urgent, noting that the last session of the commission was held in Bujumbura in 2021.
He explained that the proposed meeting would provide a platform for both governments to review previous commitments, resolve outstanding issues and chart a new roadmap for cooperation.
“The second session will represent an important step in strengthening bilateral cooperation between Burundi and Nigeria,” he said.
The envoy added that the meeting is expected to drive concrete progress in key sectors including trade, education, tourism, mining and agro-industry.
He said the discussions would also focus on strengthening legal frameworks and sector-specific agreements needed to accelerate joint projects and investment flows.
“Our ambition is to achieve concrete commitments that deliver tangible results for our two countries and their populations,” Nduwimana added.
Beyond diplomatic engagement, the ambassador extended an open invitation to Nigerian businesses and investors to explore opportunities in Burundi, which he described as an emerging investment destination in East Africa.
According to him, Burundi serves as a strategic gateway to the regional market of the East African Community and offers promising prospects in sectors such as agriculture, mining, energy, infrastructure and tourism.
“Burundi is a stable country, open for business, and committed to improving its investment climate,” he said.
“We invite economic operators from the West African region in general, and Nigeria in particular, to explore these opportunities and establish lasting and mutually beneficial partnerships.”
The renewed push for cooperation signals Burundi’s determination to revive its energy partnership with Nigeria while expanding economic ties beyond oil into trade, investment and regional market access.
Burundi Presses Nigeria to Resume Crude Oil Supply, Seeks Deeper Economic Partnership
Former Kaduna governor El-Rufai loses mother
By: Zagazola Makama
The former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has lost his mother, Hajiya Umma, who passed away on Friday.
The announcement of her death was announced by the Elrufai Family on Friday.
Family sources said the deceased had been battling age-related health challenges, which worsened in recent times.
According to the sources, her condition reportedly deteriorated further after she learned of the detention of her son by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC).
They noted that El-Rufai had been closely managing his mother’s health prior to her demise.
The family prayed for Almighty Allah to forgive her shortcomings and grant her Aljannatul Firdaus.
Former Kaduna governor El-Rufai loses mother
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