Contextual Issues Surrounding Investigative Journalism in Nigeria
Main Article Content
Abstract
Investigative journalism in Nigeria faces numerous contextual issues that influence its effectiveness and the quality of reporting. These challenges can be categorized into political, economic, social, and professional dimensions. Investigative journalists often face intimidation, harassment, and arbitrary arrests by government authorities. Nigeria's laws, such as the Cybercrime Act, are sometimes used to suppress critical reporting. Despite constitutional guarantees, press freedom is often undermined by restrictive regulations and informal pressures. Investigative journalists working on issues related to corruption, terrorism, or organized crime may face direct threats to their safety. The rise of terrorist groups like Boko Haram in the north and violent criminal groups like bandits has made certain regions particularly dangerous for journalists. Attacks on journalists, kidnappings, and assassinations have become increasingly common, with little accountability for perpetrators. Journalism in Nigeria often faces financial constraints, which limit investigative reporting. Media outlets are frequently underfunded, and journalists may lack the resources to conduct thorough investigations, travel to relevant locations, or access key information. Moreover, media owners may have their own political or economic interests, which may affect editorial independence and discourage deep investigative work. The paper also argues that many media organizations are owned by political elites or business moguls, which can lead to biased reporting and self-censorship to protect the owners' interests. Similarly, journalists working online are vulnerable to hacking, surveillance, and digital harassment.
Article Details
How to Cite
Aondover, E. M., Perpetua Ogechi Aondover, Olugbenga Charles Adewale, Funmi Falobi, & Abdullahi Aliyu Maiwada. (2024). Contextual Issues Surrounding Investigative Journalism in Nigeria. Polit Journal Scientific Journal of Politics, 4(4), 226-239. https://doi.org/10.33258/polit.v4i4.1231
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Articles
References
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Aondover, E. M., & Akin-Odukoya, O. (2024). Trends and Dynamics of Popular Culture and Media Messages on Public Transport Literature in Nigeria. Lakhomi Journal Scientific Journal of Culture, 5(3), 183-195.
Aondover, E. M., Maradun, L. U., & Yar’Adua, S. M. (2022). Mediatization of the net and internetization of the print media in Northern Nigeria. Unisia, 40(2), 335-356.
Aondover, E. M., Okuneye, A. P., & Onyejelem, T. E. (2024). Application of new media in peace building and conflict resolution in Nigeria. Journal of African Conflicts and Peace Studies, 6(1). https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/jacaps/vol6/iss1/8
Aondover, E. M., Oyeleye, S. A., & Aliyu, M. A. (2023). New World Information and Communication Order and its changing role in Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Kano. Unisia, 41(1).
Aondover, P. O., Aondover, E. M., & Babele, A. M. (2022). Two nations, same technology, different outcomes: Analysis of technology application in Africa and America. Journal of Educational Research and Review, 1(1), 001-008.
Bromley, K. (2005). Playing at syber space:perspectives on Egyptian childrens’digital socialisation, Pecora, N., Hwere, E.O. & Crlson, U. (ed). African media, Africal children. Sweden. The international clearing house on children. Youth and media.
Brugh, T. (2008). Social responsibility worldwide. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates Economy: Philadelphia.
Casadesus, M.R.& Ricart, Z. (2010). Strategies to fight ad-sponsored rivals. Management Science56(9), 1484–1499.
Chinedu-Okeke, C.F, Agbasimelo, C.I, Obi, I, Onyejelem, T.E (2021). Newspaper Coverage of
Coddington, M. (2015). Clarifying journalism’s quantitative turn. A typology for evaluating data journalism, computational journalism, and computer‐assisted reporting. Digital Journalism 3(3): 331–348.
Communication and media studies: Multiple Perspectives. New Generation Educare Ltd. 405-420
Coronel, S. (2009). Corruption and the watchdog role of the news media. URL: http://ksghome.harvard.edu/~pn.
COVID-19 Issues in Nigeria. Journal of Healthcare Communications (JHealth Commun) 6(5):20. 1-5.
Esptein, E (1975). “stenographic Repoting”, A journal of Popular Culture p.100.
Garba, S., & Msughter, A. E. (2023). Beyond the framing process: An X-ray of newspaper reportage of conflicts in Northern Nigeria. Unisia, 41(2).
Garba, S., & Msughter, A. E. (2023). Original Paper Beyond the Framing Process: An X-Ray of Newspaper Reportage of Conflicts in Northern Nigeria.
Hajara, E., Sanda, U., & Msughter, A. (2018). Journalistic practices on the professional safety among journalists in Oyo State. Int J Res Sch Commun, 43, 43-59.
Harcup, T.(2009) Journalism, principles and practice. London: SAGE Publications Ltd.
Hile, M. M., Msughter, A. E., & Aliyu, M. A. (2023). Secularism and Ethical Issues in Media Practice as a Bane for National Development. SIASAT, 8(3), 166-177.
Hollings, J. (2010). The courage to speak- how investigative journalists persuade reluctant whistleblowers to tell stories. PhD thesis submitted to Massey University, School of Communication, journalism and marketing.
Hunter M (2011). Mapping digital media and investigative reporting, open society foundation. Lagos, Maryland.
Idris, M. K., & Msughter, A. E. (2022). Sources of Information on National Issues among Border Communities in Yobe State, Nigeria. ASEAN Journal of Community Engagement, 6(1), 22-47.
Kantumoya L.M. (2004) Investigative Reporting in Zambia: A practitioners handbook, Lusaka: New horizon printing press, published by Friedrich Elbert Stiftung and Transparency International Zambia.
Kuewumi, G. (2009). Global investigative journalism: Strategies for Support. A Report to the Center for International Media Assistance.
Kurfi, M. Y., Msughter, A. E., & Maradun, L. U. (2023). Media Ethics and Power In Multicultural Nigeria. ACSPN.
Ladan, S. (2019). Interactive Workshop on Broadcasting and Investigative Journalism in Nigeria. Bayero University Kano.
Maikaba, B., & Msughter, A. E. (2019). Digital Media and Cultural Globalisation: The Fate of African Value System. Humanities and Social Sciences, 12(1), 214-220.
Maradun, L. U., Yar’Adua, S. M., & Msughter, A. E. (2021). Perceived value of social media in the# EndSARS’protest in Nigeria. International Journal of English Literature and Culture, 9(3), 1.
Moropefoluwa, O. J., Aondover, E. M., & Falobi, F. (2024). Assessment of broadcast media in mobilizing women for political participation in lagos state. Journal of Policy and Society, 2(1), 1511-1511.
Morris, S. (2005). The media and political process. London: Sage.
Msughter, A. E. (2019). Good governance and accountability: an assessment of the media’s role in achieving transparency in the 2019 general elections in Nigeria. Revista Brasileira de Estudos Africanos, 4(7).
Msughter, A. E., & Pate, H. A. (2021). National interest, freedom of expression and the Nigerian press in contemporary democratic context. Revista Brasileira de Estudos Africanos, 6(11).
Msughter, A. E., Hile, M. M., & Bappa, F. S. (2022). Have you Heard What They Are Doing to Women? Media Portrayal of Female Celebrities in Nigerian Press. Konfrontasi: Jurnal Kultural, Ekonomi dan Perubahan Sosial, 9(2), 186-197.
Msughter, A. E., Hile, M. M., & Yar’Adua, S. M. (2023). Ethical Issues and Insecurity in Africa: The Media Dimension. Konfrontasi: Jurnal Kultural, Ekonomi dan Perubahan Sosial, 10(2), 58-68.
Msughter, A. E., Liman, A. M., & Ahmed, M. O. (2021). Integrating Indigenous Language to Promote Unity in Diversity among Broadcast Media in Nigeria.
Msughter, A. E., Maradun, L. U., & Liman, A. M. (2021). Media Narratives in Reflections on Good Governance and Accountability in Nigeria. GSJ, 9(11).
Nwabueze, C. (2005). Reporting: principles, approaches and special beats. Owerri Imo State. Top shelve publishers.
Obasi, M. C., & Msughter, A. E. (2023). Assessment of media coverage of environmental hazards in mining communities in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Environmental Challenges, 13, 100758.
Ocholi, D. (2010). A new dawn in the broadcast industry Newswatch. August 16
of social media. Information System and Smart City, 3(1): doi: 10.59400/issc.v3i1.502
Ohaja, M. (2011). Citizen journalism in Nigeria: possibilities and challenges. New Media and Mass Communication, 1(1), 75-89.
Okeke, M. (2007). Corruption, national development and communication strategies. Enugu: Africa-Link Books, pp.114-121.
Oloja, M. (2018). Investigative and data driven journalism as a tool for fighting corruption. Quarterly lecture on Investigative and data driven journalism as a tool for fight against corruption. Faculty of Communication Bayero Unversity Kano. 7th August 2018. (Unpublished).
Onabanjo, N. (2000). For ‘a man of the people’, Dapo Olurunyomi, at 60. NOV, 7th, International Centre For Investigative Reporting. https:// www.icirnigeria.org assessed 7, November,2017,5:52pm
Ongowo, I. (2011). Protecting the right to life of journalists: the need for a higher level of engagement. Human Rights Quarterly (36): 304-332.
Onyejelem, T. E. (2023). Reporting child rights through film ‘language’. In C.S Okunna (Ed.),
Onyejelem, T. E., & Aondover, E. M. (2024a). Digital Generative Multimedia Tool Theory (DGMTT): A Theoretical Postulation. Journalism, 14(3), 189-204.
Onyejelem, T. E., & Aondover, E. M. (2024b). Digital Generative Multimedia Tool Theory (DGMTT): A Theoretical Postulation in the Era of Artificial Intelligence. Adv Mach Lear Art Inte, 5(2), 01-09.
Onyejelem, T.E (2020). Teno Proactive Communication Model for Job Creation in Nigeria. International Journal of Research in Social Sciences, 10(4), 27-33.
Saint, EJ, Aondover, EM, Ebele, UC, & Onyejelem, TE (2024). Influence of Social Media on Newspaper Patronage among Lecturers in University Of Nigeria, Nsukka. LingLit Journal Scientific Journal for Linguistics and Literature, 5 (3), 142-157.
Stuart, P. (2005). Researching audiences. London: Arnold.
Ufuohu, S. (2008). ICTs and development: A paradigm somersault in Nwosu, and Soola (Ed.), Communication in global, ICTs and ecosystem perspectives- insights from Nigeria. Enugu: Precision publishers limited.
UNESCO (2011). Investigative reporting in emerging democracies models, challenges, and lessons learned. America, University Press.
Vitalis, P. O., Aondover, E. M., Ogunbola, O., Onyejelem, T. E., & Ridwan, M. (2025). Accessing Digital Divide and Implications in Nigeria: The Media Dimension. Budapest International Research and Critics Institute-Journal (BIRCI-Journal), 8(1), 1-12.
Vitalis, P.O, Onyejelem, T.E, & Okuneye, A.P. (2024). Understanding advertising in the era
Yar’Adua, S. M., & Msughter, A. E. (2023). Peace Journalism and Development: An Appraisal of Boko Haram Insurgency in the North-East of Nigeria.
Yar’Adua, S. M., Msughter, A. E., & Aliyu, M. A. (2023). Original Paper Modernization, Marxist, Dependency and Alternative Theories of Development Communication: A Critical Review.
Yar’Adua, S. M., Msughter, A. E., & Garba, S. (2023). Media and National Development in Democratic Societies. Polit Journal Scientific Journal of Politics, 3(3), 105-115.
Andersen, B. & Kragh, C. (2010). On ideology. London: Verso.
Aondover, E. M., & Akin-Odukoya, O. (2024). Trends and Dynamics of Popular Culture and Media Messages on Public Transport Literature in Nigeria. Lakhomi Journal Scientific Journal of Culture, 5(3), 183-195.
Aondover, E. M., Maradun, L. U., & Yar’Adua, S. M. (2022). Mediatization of the net and internetization of the print media in Northern Nigeria. Unisia, 40(2), 335-356.
Aondover, E. M., Okuneye, A. P., & Onyejelem, T. E. (2024). Application of new media in peace building and conflict resolution in Nigeria. Journal of African Conflicts and Peace Studies, 6(1). https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/jacaps/vol6/iss1/8
Aondover, E. M., Oyeleye, S. A., & Aliyu, M. A. (2023). New World Information and Communication Order and its changing role in Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Kano. Unisia, 41(1).
Aondover, P. O., Aondover, E. M., & Babele, A. M. (2022). Two nations, same technology, different outcomes: Analysis of technology application in Africa and America. Journal of Educational Research and Review, 1(1), 001-008.
Bromley, K. (2005). Playing at syber space:perspectives on Egyptian childrens’digital socialisation, Pecora, N., Hwere, E.O. & Crlson, U. (ed). African media, Africal children. Sweden. The international clearing house on children. Youth and media.
Brugh, T. (2008). Social responsibility worldwide. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates Economy: Philadelphia.
Casadesus, M.R.& Ricart, Z. (2010). Strategies to fight ad-sponsored rivals. Management Science56(9), 1484–1499.
Chinedu-Okeke, C.F, Agbasimelo, C.I, Obi, I, Onyejelem, T.E (2021). Newspaper Coverage of
Coddington, M. (2015). Clarifying journalism’s quantitative turn. A typology for evaluating data journalism, computational journalism, and computer‐assisted reporting. Digital Journalism 3(3): 331–348.
Communication and media studies: Multiple Perspectives. New Generation Educare Ltd. 405-420
Coronel, S. (2009). Corruption and the watchdog role of the news media. URL: http://ksghome.harvard.edu/~pn.
COVID-19 Issues in Nigeria. Journal of Healthcare Communications (JHealth Commun) 6(5):20. 1-5.
Esptein, E (1975). “stenographic Repoting”, A journal of Popular Culture p.100.
Garba, S., & Msughter, A. E. (2023). Beyond the framing process: An X-ray of newspaper reportage of conflicts in Northern Nigeria. Unisia, 41(2).
Garba, S., & Msughter, A. E. (2023). Original Paper Beyond the Framing Process: An X-Ray of Newspaper Reportage of Conflicts in Northern Nigeria.
Hajara, E., Sanda, U., & Msughter, A. (2018). Journalistic practices on the professional safety among journalists in Oyo State. Int J Res Sch Commun, 43, 43-59.
Harcup, T.(2009) Journalism, principles and practice. London: SAGE Publications Ltd.
Hile, M. M., Msughter, A. E., & Aliyu, M. A. (2023). Secularism and Ethical Issues in Media Practice as a Bane for National Development. SIASAT, 8(3), 166-177.
Hollings, J. (2010). The courage to speak- how investigative journalists persuade reluctant whistleblowers to tell stories. PhD thesis submitted to Massey University, School of Communication, journalism and marketing.
Hunter M (2011). Mapping digital media and investigative reporting, open society foundation. Lagos, Maryland.
Idris, M. K., & Msughter, A. E. (2022). Sources of Information on National Issues among Border Communities in Yobe State, Nigeria. ASEAN Journal of Community Engagement, 6(1), 22-47.
Kantumoya L.M. (2004) Investigative Reporting in Zambia: A practitioners handbook, Lusaka: New horizon printing press, published by Friedrich Elbert Stiftung and Transparency International Zambia.
Kuewumi, G. (2009). Global investigative journalism: Strategies for Support. A Report to the Center for International Media Assistance.
Kurfi, M. Y., Msughter, A. E., & Maradun, L. U. (2023). Media Ethics and Power In Multicultural Nigeria. ACSPN.
Ladan, S. (2019). Interactive Workshop on Broadcasting and Investigative Journalism in Nigeria. Bayero University Kano.
Maikaba, B., & Msughter, A. E. (2019). Digital Media and Cultural Globalisation: The Fate of African Value System. Humanities and Social Sciences, 12(1), 214-220.
Maradun, L. U., Yar’Adua, S. M., & Msughter, A. E. (2021). Perceived value of social media in the# EndSARS’protest in Nigeria. International Journal of English Literature and Culture, 9(3), 1.
Moropefoluwa, O. J., Aondover, E. M., & Falobi, F. (2024). Assessment of broadcast media in mobilizing women for political participation in lagos state. Journal of Policy and Society, 2(1), 1511-1511.
Morris, S. (2005). The media and political process. London: Sage.
Msughter, A. E. (2019). Good governance and accountability: an assessment of the media’s role in achieving transparency in the 2019 general elections in Nigeria. Revista Brasileira de Estudos Africanos, 4(7).
Msughter, A. E., & Pate, H. A. (2021). National interest, freedom of expression and the Nigerian press in contemporary democratic context. Revista Brasileira de Estudos Africanos, 6(11).
Msughter, A. E., Hile, M. M., & Bappa, F. S. (2022). Have you Heard What They Are Doing to Women? Media Portrayal of Female Celebrities in Nigerian Press. Konfrontasi: Jurnal Kultural, Ekonomi dan Perubahan Sosial, 9(2), 186-197.
Msughter, A. E., Hile, M. M., & Yar’Adua, S. M. (2023). Ethical Issues and Insecurity in Africa: The Media Dimension. Konfrontasi: Jurnal Kultural, Ekonomi dan Perubahan Sosial, 10(2), 58-68.
Msughter, A. E., Liman, A. M., & Ahmed, M. O. (2021). Integrating Indigenous Language to Promote Unity in Diversity among Broadcast Media in Nigeria.
Msughter, A. E., Maradun, L. U., & Liman, A. M. (2021). Media Narratives in Reflections on Good Governance and Accountability in Nigeria. GSJ, 9(11).
Nwabueze, C. (2005). Reporting: principles, approaches and special beats. Owerri Imo State. Top shelve publishers.
Obasi, M. C., & Msughter, A. E. (2023). Assessment of media coverage of environmental hazards in mining communities in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Environmental Challenges, 13, 100758.
Ocholi, D. (2010). A new dawn in the broadcast industry Newswatch. August 16
of social media. Information System and Smart City, 3(1): doi: 10.59400/issc.v3i1.502
Ohaja, M. (2011). Citizen journalism in Nigeria: possibilities and challenges. New Media and Mass Communication, 1(1), 75-89.
Okeke, M. (2007). Corruption, national development and communication strategies. Enugu: Africa-Link Books, pp.114-121.
Oloja, M. (2018). Investigative and data driven journalism as a tool for fighting corruption. Quarterly lecture on Investigative and data driven journalism as a tool for fight against corruption. Faculty of Communication Bayero Unversity Kano. 7th August 2018. (Unpublished).
Onabanjo, N. (2000). For ‘a man of the people’, Dapo Olurunyomi, at 60. NOV, 7th, International Centre For Investigative Reporting. https:// www.icirnigeria.org assessed 7, November,2017,5:52pm
Ongowo, I. (2011). Protecting the right to life of journalists: the need for a higher level of engagement. Human Rights Quarterly (36): 304-332.
Onyejelem, T. E. (2023). Reporting child rights through film ‘language’. In C.S Okunna (Ed.),
Onyejelem, T. E., & Aondover, E. M. (2024a). Digital Generative Multimedia Tool Theory (DGMTT): A Theoretical Postulation. Journalism, 14(3), 189-204.
Onyejelem, T. E., & Aondover, E. M. (2024b). Digital Generative Multimedia Tool Theory (DGMTT): A Theoretical Postulation in the Era of Artificial Intelligence. Adv Mach Lear Art Inte, 5(2), 01-09.
Onyejelem, T.E (2020). Teno Proactive Communication Model for Job Creation in Nigeria. International Journal of Research in Social Sciences, 10(4), 27-33.
Saint, EJ, Aondover, EM, Ebele, UC, & Onyejelem, TE (2024). Influence of Social Media on Newspaper Patronage among Lecturers in University Of Nigeria, Nsukka. LingLit Journal Scientific Journal for Linguistics and Literature, 5 (3), 142-157.
Stuart, P. (2005). Researching audiences. London: Arnold.
Ufuohu, S. (2008). ICTs and development: A paradigm somersault in Nwosu, and Soola (Ed.), Communication in global, ICTs and ecosystem perspectives- insights from Nigeria. Enugu: Precision publishers limited.
UNESCO (2011). Investigative reporting in emerging democracies models, challenges, and lessons learned. America, University Press.
Vitalis, P. O., Aondover, E. M., Ogunbola, O., Onyejelem, T. E., & Ridwan, M. (2025). Accessing Digital Divide and Implications in Nigeria: The Media Dimension. Budapest International Research and Critics Institute-Journal (BIRCI-Journal), 8(1), 1-12.
Vitalis, P.O, Onyejelem, T.E, & Okuneye, A.P. (2024). Understanding advertising in the era
Yar’Adua, S. M., & Msughter, A. E. (2023). Peace Journalism and Development: An Appraisal of Boko Haram Insurgency in the North-East of Nigeria.
Yar’Adua, S. M., Msughter, A. E., & Aliyu, M. A. (2023). Original Paper Modernization, Marxist, Dependency and Alternative Theories of Development Communication: A Critical Review.
Yar’Adua, S. M., Msughter, A. E., & Garba, S. (2023). Media and National Development in Democratic Societies. Polit Journal Scientific Journal of Politics, 3(3), 105-115.