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In its 2024 Openness Index, the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) found that 22 out of Nigeria’s 36 states act as inhibitors of freedom of expression, with 13 of them showing overt hostility toward journalists. The Index was built on over 1,100 professional perceptions and incident reports (via the Press Attack Tracker), and assessed states based on political tolerance for dissent, rule of law, treatment of journalists, media health, and gender inclusion.
Notably, even Lagos—Nigeria’s media and commercial hub—ranked 22nd overall, yet recorded highly negative scores for the violent treatment of journalists. The Federal Capital Territory fared among the worst offenders for attacks. Nationally, over 140 journalists were attacked between December 2023 and November 2024.
Based on the aggregate scoring, Nigeria was categorized as an “average enabler” of press freedom, scoring about 429.32 out of 850 (~50.5%). “Average enablers” states include Katsina, Abia, and Kwara, among others, whereas inhibitor states (e.g., Abuja, Kaduna, Imo) lag significantly, Imo being the lowest.
The report also highlights what factors most undermine expression: economic pressures stand out, followed by violent harassment, arbitrary arrests, and state- or institution-led suppression of dissent.
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