[VIDEO] The state of investigative journalism in Nigeria

Investigative journalism in Nigeria has played an important role in uncovering corruption, mismanagement, and other issues of public interest. Nigerian journalists have used a variety of techniques and tools, such as the Freedom of Information Act, data analysis, and undercover reporting, to investigate and expose corruption and other forms of wrongdoing.

Some notable examples of investigative journalism in Nigeria include:

• The Premium Times Centre for Investigative Journalism has been at the forefront of investigative journalism in Nigeria. The organization has exposed several high-profile corruption cases, including the $2.1 billion arms deal scandal and the misuse of funds meant for the fight against Boko Haram.
• In 2013, an investigation by the Nigerian newspaper ThisDay exposed a $6 billion fuel subsidy scam, in which government officials and oil companies were found to have colluded to defraud the government of billions of dollars.
• In 2016, an investigation by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists and several Nigerian media outlets exposed the “Panama Papers” leak, which revealed the offshore financial dealings of several Nigerian politicians and businesspeople.
• In 2020, The Cable, an online news media, reported how Nigeria’s Ministry of Power, Works and Housing and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) had allegedly squandered billions of dollars in public funds meant for rural electrification projects across Nigeria.

Investigative journalism in Nigeria has not been without challenges, journalists face several challenges in the country, including lack of access to information, lack of financial resources and security risks, as they are often targeted by government officials, politicians and other powerful actors who are subject of their investigations. A leading light of investigative journalism, Fisayo Soyombo [pictured] has been victims of police arrests and other forms of attacks in the past for his investigative efforts.

Despite these challenges, investigative journalism continues to play a crucial role in promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance in Nigeria.