By Mahmud Abdulraheem Esq.
Ph.D. Mass Communication
Nigeria’s economy is under pressure. Subsidy removal, inflation, insecurity and falling incomes have tested both governance and the law. Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution says “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.”
Government cannot deliver that alone. It needs the media. Section 22 also charges the press “to uphold the responsibility and accountability of government to the people.” The task now is how both institutions can work together lawfully and effectively.
The work must start with explanation. Law that people do not understand cannot work. “Subsidy removal” and “tariff band” mean little to a trader in the market or a driver at the park. *Policy must be broken down into local languages; Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, Nupe and Pidgin. It must go through radio, television, social and community platforms.
This is not public relations. It is constitutional. Section 14(2)(c) demands that “the participation by the people in their government shall be ensured.” People can only participate when they understand. They need to know how decisions affect transport, food prices and small businesses.
Explanation must be followed by tracking. Section 22 makes the press a watchdog. The Supreme Court affirmed this in AGF v. Abubakar (2007). The media must ask hard questions. How much has government saved from subsidy removal? Where is the money going? Which LGAs have received projects? Are Band A areas getting the electricity promised?
Facts build trust. Without data, policy becomes empty talk.
Tracking must also be useful. In tough times, information saves families. Where are CNG conversion centers? How do students apply for loans? Where can farmers get inputs? What grants are available from SMEDAN? What are current market prices?
When the media provides this, it gives meaning to its constitutional role. When it fails, it abandons the people.
But service must not kill independence. The NUJ Code and NBC Code demand truth, balance and fairness. Sensational reports can cause panic and may even attract liability under the Cybercrimes Act. At the same time, silencing dissent violates Section 39.
In Nigerian Bottling Co. v. Ngere_ (2007), the Court of Appeal ruled that freedom of expression includes the right to receive and impart information. The press can help government explain policy and relief. But it must keep the right to question results and give voice to citizens. The moment it becomes a PR agency, it loses value.
Government must also play its part. First is honesty. Pretending that subsidy removal has not caused pain breaks public trust. Government should acknowledge the burden first, then explain the plan. People accept difficult choices faster when they feel heard.
Second is data and speed. Monthly reports on savings, power and security cut down rumor. In PDP v. INEC (2012), the courts said timely information is key to democracy. Before major announcements, government should brief editors and make experts available. Press releases are not enough.
There are areas where both sides must act together. On fake news, media houses should run “Myth vs Fact” checks. Government should publish verified data within 24 hours.
On insecurity, reporters should cover incidents and follow them to court. Security agencies should update the public on investigations.
On the cost of living, the media can profile SMEs, farmers and cooperatives using CNG and agritech. Government must make grants and palliatives easy to access and free from bias.
For power and fuel, broadcasters should use drama, jingles and town halls in local languages. Government should provide clear timelines and channels for complaints.
The line between both institutions is clear in the Constitution. Government governs and informs. The media informs and monitors.
In FRN v. Guardian Newspapers (1999), the court protected the press to publish in the public interest even when government disagreed. Attempts to gag or intimidate journalists breach Section 39. They also destroy trust.
Cross that line and collaboration becomes complicity. Respect it and it becomes service.
In the end, recovery will need policy and public confidence. Government provides direction and resources. The media provides clarity and oversight.
When government denies reality, it loses legitimacy. When media reports only suffering without solutions, it deepens despair.
With honesty, facts and accountability, both government and the media can help Nigerians navigate reform and prevent collapse of the economy.
About the Author
Mahmud Abdulraheem Esq., Notary Public, holds a Ph.D. in Mass Communication. He is an Adjunct Lecturer at the University of Ilorin. A former General Manager of Radio Kwara & Kwara TV, and former Assistant Chief Monitoring Officer at NBC Ibadan, he writes on media, law, governance and public policy. He writes from Ilorin.
