Human rights advocate and lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has accused the Nigerian government of failing to enforce constitutional human rights provisions and persistently weaponising laws to suppress press freedom.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria said progress in the legal framework of Nigeria has not been matched by enforcement.
Falana spoke at a World Press Freedom Day event in Lagos organised by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE).
The event, held in Lagos, focused on the role of the media in promoting people’s rights, accountability, and access to justice amid rising insecurity.
Addressing media executives and stakeholders at the event, Falana raised deep concerns over weak enforcement of human rights laws in Nigeria.
He said: “Some progress has been made.
“What is required now is the enforcement of the relevant provisions of the law.”
He cited the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, noting that authorities are required to inform detainees’ families and ensure access to legal representation.
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He added that such provisions remain largely ignored, warning that failure to implement them undermines justice delivery and accountability.
On media rights, Falana urged journalists to rely on existing legal protections.
He said: “You guys in the media must take advantage of the Freedom of Information Act to ask for information from anyone.”
He also warned against misuse of laws to suppress expression, noting that criminal defamation has been abolished in some states but remains an issue elsewhere.
Falana also cited cases involving alleged political violence and criminal activity, linking them to broader governance concerns.
He criticised official narratives around high-profile cases, including the death of Chief MKO Abiola, warning against misinformation.
The senior advocate called for restraint in ongoing legal matters, urging authorities and the public to allow due process.
On extrajudicial actions, he referenced incidents involving police conduct, stressing the need for accountability.
Falana further decried Nigeria’s limited access to regional justice mechanisms, particularly the African Court.
He said: “Nigerians cannot access that court.
“Because the federal government in Abuja has refused to sign an instrument.
“To allow victims of human rights to access justice in this court.
“Please.
“Go to the government of Nigeria.
“To sign.
“And allow Nigeria to go to the African court.
“So that you can drag the public of South Africa to the African court.
“To pay damages for the death of any Nigerian or any African.”
Earlier, legal practitioner and media advocate, Richard Akinnola, criticised Nigeria’s failure to enforce decisions of the ECOWAS Court of Justice.
He said: “There have been a couple of decisions by the ECOWAS Court… which sadly Nigeria has refused to enforce.”
Akinnola stressed that enforcement of judgments is central to the rule of law and protection of human rights across the region.
He said: “It is incumbent on the country to enforce such judgments.”
He also raised concerns about delays in the judicial system, comparing current processes with earlier periods.
He said: “If Justice Aguda… could deal with a detention matter within six days… what is stopping the judiciary today?”
Akinnola added that the media remains critical to strengthening democratic institutions.
He said: “The media is indispensable to achieving that vision.”
Both speakers reflected on the historical role of the press and judiciary during military rule, noting that innovation and courage defined journalism in that era.
Falana recalled how media organisations adopted underground publishing strategies to evade censorship, while courts at the time upheld rights in key cases.
He said: “Criticism is indispensable in a democratic society.”
The event also highlighted concerns over growing insecurity and rights violations, with participants calling for victim-centred reporting and ethical storytelling.
Organisers said the forum aimed to strengthen the media’s watchdog role and promote accountability in line with Section 22 of the 1999 Constitution.
The gathering brought together media executives, civil society groups and human rights advocates to share experiences and propose practical steps to improve access to justice.
