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NHRC Advises Media on Reporting of Migration Issues
NHRC Advises Media on Reporting of Migration Issues
By: Michael Mike
The media has been advised to be cautious in reporting migration issues, ensuring that it is not used to perpetuate harmful stereotypes but rather promote empathy and understanding.
Speaking at a capacity building of the media on human rights based approach to migration and prevention of trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants, organized by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in conjunction with United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner (OHCHR)
and Protection of Migrants (PROMIS), the Executive Secretary of NHRC, Chief Tony Ojukwu told journalists at the training that:
“Your reporting can either perpetuate harmful stereotypes or promote empathy and understanding.”
He added that: “We recognize the vital role media plays in shaping policy discourses that affect how people act. Through accurate, sensitive, and solutions-oriented storytelling, you can help dismantle the architecture of human trafficking, challenge xenophobic narratives, and advocate for the rights and dignity of migrants.”
He explained that the training is organized with the following objectives: To enhance understanding on Trafficking in Persons (TiP) and Smuggling of Migrants (SoM) and human rights-based approach to migration; To equip media agencies with the skills and knowledge to report ethically, accurately, and sensitively on issues of trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants.
Ojukwu said: “Migration is a contentious phenomenon that is multifaceted with millions of individuals residing and working in countries outside their own. Migration is inherent right of all human beings and has been in existence for decades, human rights is cross cutting in all migratory movements primarily because human rights are universal, and everyone on the move is entitled to the protection of their rights as guaranteed by National Regional and international laws.
“Migration is complex and often divisive, and negative attitudes towards migrants, coupled with exclusionary practices, have escalated in recent years. With hundreds of thousands of people embarking on unsafe routes each year in search of better opportunities, the need for an in-depth understanding of migration and its connection to human rights has never been greater.”
He further explained that: “The Human Rights Based Approach (HRBA) is a conceptual framework aimed at promoting and protecting human rights based on international standards. It puts human rights and corresponding state obligations in policy, empowering migrants in vulnerable situations to participate in decision-making processes and hold duty-bearers accountable. A HRBA to migration prioritizes treating migrants as human beings, underscored by principles of non-discrimination, empowerment, participation, inclusion, and accountability.”
He said: “Media, as a key influencer of public opinion and awareness, plays a crucial role in framing narratives and policy discourses that affect public actions, thoughts, policymaker priorities, and migrant decisions. The media disseminates information while highlighting the challenges, aspirations, and vulnerabilities of migrants, fostering a deeper understanding of migration drivers. This influences public perception and the design of programmes and initiatives by policymakers. Media voices are essential in shaping opinions and exposing human rights violations impacting migrants.
“To understand and report on discriminatory practices and the unequal power distribution underlying trafficking and smuggling of migrants, which maintain impunity for perpetrators and deny justice to victims, it is essential to build media capacity on HRBA to migration. This enables understanding of how human rights violations arise throughout the trafficking cycle and how states’ obligations under international human rights law are engaged.”
On her part, the Senior Human Rights Adviser, Office of the UN Resident/Humanitarian Coordinator, Adwoa Kufuor-Owusu said: “Studies show Nigerian media outlets representation of migrants and migrant issues have been patchy.
“Among other challenges, the frequency of newspaper coverage of migrants is often low and that when they are reported, migrants are not quoted or interviewed. Journalists often rely heavily on government sources. There is also little attention given to why migrants were migrating in the first place.”
She lamented that often migrants are described in reports as “returnees”, “evacuees”, “stranded Nigerians abroad”, or “illegal migrants” without contextualisation, adding that: “Migrants are portrayed as vulnerable or stranded individuals in need of rescue or intervention.”
She told the journalists that: “Throughout the two days, you will hear about migration terminology, gender-sensitive reporting, ethical photojournalism, and reporting vulnerable sources of information, all forming the basis of human-rights based approach. OHCHR and the UN system as a whole have resources that can assist you in taking this workshop forward and broaden coverage and news content related to migration.”
NHRC Advises Media on Reporting of Migration Issues
EU Reaffirms Support for Nigeria’s 2027 Elections
By: Michael Mike
The European Union has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s democratic process ahead of the 2027 general elections, stressing that its role would remain focused on technical assistance, institutional strengthening and capacity building rather than interference in the country’s internal affairs.
Speaking during activities marking the 2026 Europe Day in Abuja, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot
said the union would continue to support democratic governance initiatives involving key electoral stakeholders, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), civil society organisations, political parties, the National Assembly and the media.
The envoy said the EU had consistently supported democracy and electoral reforms in Nigeria through its Support to Democratic Governance programme, aimed at improving the credibility and transparency of elections.
According to the ambassador, preparations for the 2027 polls would build on recommendations made by previous EU Election Observation Missions and expert reports submitted after earlier elections.
“We will continue doing what we have been doing consistently, which is trying to reinforce capacities, trying to help reforms and improve the system little by little over the years,” the envoy stated.
Responding to concerns raised by journalists over electoral violence, low voter turnout and the non-implementation of recommendations from previous election observers, the ambassador insisted that the responsibility for conducting credible elections ultimately rests with Nigerian authorities.
“I think your question has to be directed to Nigerian authorities in charge of organising elections. It is a sovereign responsibility of Nigerian authorities,” the envoy said.
The ambassador stressed that the EU was not in Nigeria to impose sanctions, issue “yellow cards or red cards,” or dictate the country’s political direction, but rather to support ongoing reforms where requested.
The envoy also disclosed that the EU’s intervention would not primarily involve direct funding of elections but would focus more on technical assistance, institutional support and training for electoral stakeholders.
On media participation, the ambassador noted that journalists remained an important component of the EU’s democratic governance support framework and would continue to benefit from engagement programmes under the initiative.
The envoy, however, said it was still too early to outline specific activities or financial commitments for the 2027 elections.
Concerns over Nigeria’s democratic future and fears of a possible drift toward a one-party state were also raised during the interaction, but the ambassador maintained that assessing Nigeria’s political direction remained the responsibility of Nigerians themselves.
The EU representative added that a follow-up mission on recommendations from the 2023 elections had already been conducted, while attention was now focused on further implementation of electoral reforms and strengthening public confidence in the electoral system.
EU Reaffirms Support for Nigeria’s 2027 Elections
Flood: NGO cautions Gombe residents against indiscriminate dumping of waste
Jewel Environmental Initiative (JEI), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), in Gombr, on Friday tasked residents in the state on proper disposal of waste to mitigate the impact of flooding this 2026.
The Chief Executive Officer of the NGO, Mr Ismail Bima, made the call in an interview with our Correspondent in Gombe on Friday.
According to Bima, the huge losses associated with flooding and its negative impact on the environment and livelihoods has made it imperative for collective efforts to tackle flooding in Gombe.
He urged residents to take responsibility in ensuring a clean environment for their wellbeing.
“We have been sensitising residents for weeks now because of the impact of flooding on our people, communities and livelihoods.
“We must not wait for the rain before doing the right thing.
“Avoid dumping wastes in drains and water channels; this is key to addressing flood related disasters as the rainy season commences,” he said.
Bima disclosed that his team had intensified sensitisation exercise in Kwami, Nafada, Funakaye and Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Areas of the state because they were proned to flooding..
He said that the flooding in Funakaye had been attributed largely to buildings erected in waterways, stressing that,”residents should vacate the area.
“I urge the state government to relocate people from such areas to help save lives and properties.
He commended th State government’s efforts in reclaiming degraded land and building huge concrete gullies in several communities to help manage severe erosion.
He said that the concrete gullies have helped in protecting critical infrastructure and livelihoods of thousands of residents in the state.
Bima urged the government and residents to take advantage of the rainy season to plant more trees to replace those that have been fellen for firewood and charcoal purposes.
Flood: NGO cautions Gombe residents against indiscriminate dumping of waste
Angwa-Rukuba Killings: Court orders suspects to remain in DSS’ custody
*Okays speedy trial
By: Our Reporter
A Plateau State High Court on Friday ordered that four suspects standing trial for their alleged involvement in the March 2026 killings in the Angwa Rukuba community of Jos North Local Government Area, remain in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
The court also agreed to a request by the prosecution to speed up the trial. The matter was adjourned to May 26 to consider the report on the case management conference, and 1st and 2nd July for hearing.
The suspects, identified as Isa Umar Ibrahim, Auwalu Abubakar (also known as Auwalu Dogo), Musa Abubakar Ibrahim (also known as Yaroro), and others, are facing charges of terrorism and criminal conspiracy.
The charges were filed by the State Attorney General, Philemon Daffi, under the Plateau State Penal Code Law, 2017.
On Friday, Mustapha Shabbat (SAN), who announced his appearance for the defendants, objected to their continued detention in the facility of the DSS.
In a short ruling, however, the trial judge held it it remained the discretion of the court to determine where to keep suspects under trial.
“Considering the facts and circumstances of this case, this honorable court has jurisdiction to remand the defendant in the custody of DSS or correctional centr provided the place of custody is safe.
“The defendants are hereby remanded in the custody of the DSS. They must however be allowed to have access to his counsels while in detention pending the prompt conclusion of investigation,” ruled the judge.
Court: Case management has already been taken place in accordance with the provisions of the law. The case is hereby adjourned to 26th May for report of the court on case management and further adjourned to 1st and 2nd July, 2026 for hearing.
The particulars of offence read, in part “That you, Isa Umar Ibrahim, Musa Abubakar Ibrahim of Riyom Local Government Area, Auwalu Abubakar (A.K.A Auwalu Dogo) of Jos North Local Government Area, Musa Abubakar Ibrahim (A.K.A Yaroro) of Jos North Local Government Areas of Plateau State; and one Ado Ibrahim (Now at Large) of Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, on the 28th day of March, 2025 at Farin Gada, Jos North Local Government Area, did conspire amongst yourselves to commit offences relating to terrorism when you planned, organized, facilitated, aided, and contributed money to carry out the attack in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court; you thereby committed the above offence.
“That you, Isa Umar Ibrahim, Musa Abubakar Ibrahim of Riyom Local Government Area, Auwalu Abubakar (A.K.A Auwalu Dogo) of Jos North Local Government Area, Musa Abubakar Ibrahim (A.K.A Yaroro) of Jos North Local Government Areas of Plateau State; and one Ado Ibrahim (Now at Large) of Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, on the 28th day of March, 2025 at Farin Gada, Jos North Local Government Area, did commit the offence of terrorism when you planned, organized, facilitated, aided, contributed and received money to carry out an attack in Angwan Rukuba, which led to the death of over thirty (30) people in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court.”
Part of the particulars of Alhassan’s offence read, “That you Adamu Isah Alhassan together with one Ibrahim Musa (Now at Large), Imarana Sa’idu (Now at Large), Yusuf Sa’idu (Now at Large) Aliyu Usaini (Now at Large), Yahuza Adamu (Now at Large), Mubarak Yunusa (Now at Large), Yakubu, whose surname is unknown (Now at Large) and others also at large between the months of January to December, 2025 and in January, 2026 at Gwang, Rin Ward, Bachit and Bangai Villages of Riyom Local Government Area and Vom in Jos South Local Government Areas of Plateau State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did commit an illegal act to wit: Culpable Homicide Punishable with Death, when you armed yourselves with guns, attacked and killed the residents of Gwang, Rin Ward, Bachit and Bangai Villages of Riyom Local Government Area and Vom in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, and you thereby committed the above offence.”
Angwa-Rukuba Killings: Court orders suspects to remain in DSS’ custody
*Okays speedy trial
EU Reaffirms Support for Nigeria’s 2027 Elections
When APC’s incumbency appears secure ahead of 2027
Flood: NGO cautions Gombe residents against indiscriminate dumping of waste
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