AI to Nigeria: Clampdown on Freedom of Expression will Negatively Impact Artists, Media, Civil Society

Amnesty International made an urgent call regarding an escalating clampdown on freedom of expression in Nigeria, stating that moves by the government have far-reaching implications for artists, media, and civil society as a whole.

The group’s worries come after increased reports of intimidation, harassment, and arrests against activists, journalists, and other people with dissenting opinions. Amnesty International cited the recent Nigerian government move to resuscitate the controversial Social Media Bill as one glaring example of mounting repression.

“The Nigerian government needs to cease assaulting rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. Attempts through legislation like the Social Media Bill are intimidating and oppressive, capable of silencing critical voices throughout the country,” Amnesty International pointed out.

The bill envisioned, re-introduced earlier this year 2024 and sponsored by high-profile sponsors like Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, aims at far-reaching censorship powers over social media use.

Critics say the proposed law’s enactment could embolden the regime against dissenting voices, muzzle media opposition, and rot democratic political discourse in a country already shaken with widespread insecurity and economic uncertainty.

In addition to legislation, Amnesty also raised the alarms over reported targeting of human rights activists. The organization in September 2024 reported on plots by security agents to arrest activist and journalist, Omoyele Sowore upon his return to Nigeria.

This, Amnesty claims, is one part of a concerning trend towards retaliatory action against government critics.

A report by Media Rights Agenda in December 2024 substantiated such concerns, depicting a sharp surge in violence and intimidation of the media. The Nigerian security agents, the study revealed, were responsible for nearly 65% of documented assaults on media professionals, including illegal detentions, physical assaults, and intimidation.

“There’s no need to see the media as an enemy,” said one of the contributors to a report.

“The growing climate of fear is not only attacking press freedom—it’s damaging democracy itself.”

Amnesty International’s ongoing campaign, #TalkYourTruth, identifies such issues. Initiated in 2021, the campaign aims to safeguard the rights of Nigerians to freely speak without retaliation. The campaign documents instances of censorship, online intimidation, and criminalization of peaceful dissents, especially from youths and social commentators.

“These trends pose serious threats to artistic freedom, media freedom, and the general cultural and political life of Nigeria.

“Governments should respect constitutional rights and international obligations that guarantee freedom of expression and the right to information,” the organisation said.

As Nigeria gazes into a more digitized future, the human rights monitor warns that stifling free speech will only yield more social unrest and democratic decay. The group calls on the government to protect, not punish, critical voices—and to establish an environment in which diverse opinions can thrive.