IPC Urges Journalists to Prioritize Safety Amidst Hunger Protests

As nationwide protests are set to commence on Thursday, August 1, 2024, the International Press Centre (IPC) has issued a call for journalists and media professionals to adopt stringent safety measures. 

The IPC’s advisory comes in response to planned demonstrations across Nigeria, aimed at advocating for a more equitable society, effective leadership, affordable food, and a reduced cost of living. 

The protests will span from August 1 to August 10, covering all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

In a statement signed by Melody Akinjiyan, IPC's Press Freedom Officer, the organization emphasized the importance of safety for journalists who will be covering these events. The IPC highlighted the risks faced by journalists in previous protests, including incidents of assault while on duty.

“We urge all journalists and media practitioners who will be on the field to cover the anticipated nation-wide protests to adopt and implement safety measures while carrying out their activities professionally,” stated IPC Executive Director Mr. Lanre Arogundade. 

He advised journalists to ensure they are easily identifiable, suggesting that they display their identification cards clearly to prevent misunderstandings with security personnel. This measure aims to reduce the risk of journalists being mistaken for protesters and subsequently harassed or barred from performing their duties.

Mr. Arogundade also called upon security agencies to exercise civility and responsibility in their interactions with the media. “The security forces should note that the media plays a critical role in the information dissemination chain and are obligated to professionally carry out their task in reporting societal events. Hence, they should be accorded due rights and privileges to enable them to fulfill their social obligations. The media should be seen as partners in progress and not as adversaries,” he emphasized.

Additionally, the IPC urged the public, including protesters, to acknowledge and protect the essential role of the media in reporting critical events. This call for cooperation seeks to ensure the safety and effectiveness of journalists during the protests.

The IPC's advisory follows its 2023 initiative, during the general elections, where it launched a safety and professional advisory to equip journalists with the necessary tools and precautions for fieldwork. This current advisory aligns with the IPC’s ongoing commitment to the safety of journalists through its Safety of Journalists Initiative.

As the nation braces for the upcoming protests, the IPC's proactive measures aim to safeguard journalists, ensuring they can continue to perform their vital role in society without undue risk.