Between 1966 and 1999, Nigeria experienced intermittent military rule that profoundly shaped the media landscape. The military recognised the power of newspapers, radio, and television to influence public opinion and often regarded independent reporting as a threat to national security. Through legal instruments, administrative controls, and sometimes direct intimidation, successive military regimes restricted press freedom, shaping the information Nigerians could access.
Legal Tools to Control the Press
Military governments relied heavily on decrees that bypassed civilian oversight to regulate the media. Key decrees included Public Officers Protection Against False Accusation Decree No. 4 of 1984, which criminalised material that could embarrass government officials; Offensive Publications Decree No. 35 of 1993, enabling seizure or proscription of newspapers and magazines considered harmful to public order; and Treason and Treasonable Offences Decree No. 29 of 1993, broadening definitions of treason to include critical reporting. These laws created an environment where journalists faced legal consequences for reporting critically on government actions.
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Censorship and Editorial Oversight
Military authorities often required media content to undergo review before publication. Newspapers and broadcast stations were monitored closely. This pre-publication oversight ensured that stories critical of military leaders or policies were altered or suppressed. Journalists frequently navigated a fine line between informing the public and avoiding legal or physical repercussions
Notable Incidents of Suppression
Several high-profile events illustrate the risks journalists faced. In 1984, Tunde Thompson and Nduka Irabor of The Guardian were jailed under Decree No. 4 for reporting on government diplomatic affairs. In October 1986, the founding editor of Newswatch, Dele Giwa, died from a parcel bomb, a stark reminder of the dangers faced by investigative journalists. Publications such as Newswatch and Tell were banned at various times, forcing them to halt circulation and place staff at risk.
State Ownership and Economic Pressures
Beyond legal tools, military regimes exerted influence through economic levers. The Federal Government acquired a majority stake in the Daily Times in the 1970s, using ownership to shape editorial policies. Independent media also faced punitive taxation, withdrawal of government advertising, and restrictions on newsprint imports, compelling some outlets to self-censor.
Legacy of Military Media Control
Even after the return to civilian rule in 1999, the imprint of military censorship endured. Some restrictive laws remained until slowly repealed, and journalists continued to operate cautiously in politically sensitive areas. The era left lasting effects on the relationship between the press, the state, and the public, shaping Nigerian media practice for decades.
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Author’s Note
This period in Nigeria’s history shows how the military used laws, censorship, and economic control to influence public perception. Press freedoms were heavily restricted, but journalists and media houses adapted and resisted where possible. The key takeaway is that access to truthful information was systematically limited, and the resilience of the press became a cornerstone for Nigeria’s eventual return to civilian rule.
References
Bayo Oloyede, The Press Under Military Rule in Nigeria, 1966–1993, Codesria Books
“Nigeria’s Press at 166: Old Battles Linger,” The Guardian
Committee to Protect Journalists, Attacks on the Press 1999: Nigeria
