Journalists, civil society groups and election monitors are pushing for tighter collaboration to protect Nigeria's electoral credibility. They made this call on Tuesday at a roundtable in Abuja.
Organisations like Journalists for Human Rights and the UN Human Rights Office organised the gathering. The meeting brought together media professionals, observers and communication experts at the United Nations House.
Participants identified a critical need. Stronger media-CSO partnerships could address reporting challenges and build transparency during elections.
One key proposal emerged from the discussions. Stakeholders want a verified central platform where media outlets and CSOs can access timely electoral information.
INEC must take specific steps, according to the communiqué. The electoral commission should conduct mandatory technology tests before elections and formally recognise journalists as key partners.
A joint media-CSO information-sharing platform was recommended. This would allow groups to exchange verified content and resources more efficiently.
Coverage gaps present another challenge. The roundtable proposed deploying CSO field staff as correspondents in areas where media presence is weak.
Journalist safety dominated discussions. Participants called for a Security Accord involving media organisations, CSOs and security agencies.
According to the communiqué, this accord would create formal protections for reporters covering elections. An Inter-Agency Consultative Security Committee should include embedded media and civil society representatives.
Training emerged as essential. Journalists need continuous professional development in election reporting, AI tools and fact-checking.
Every media organisation should establish fact-checking desks. Verification must become a core editorial responsibility during polls.
Voter apathy requires attention too. Media organisations and CSOs should collaborate on civic education and awareness campaigns.
Mental health support was highlighted as urgent. Journalists deployed to conflict zones face significant psychological stress.
Structured psychosocial support systems must be established. Post-trauma counselling and mental health awareness should be included in pre-deployment preparations.
According to roundtable participants, journalist wellbeing directly affects coverage quality. Physical, emotional and psychological health enables professional and ethical reporting during elections.
INEC, security agencies and civil society must engage regularly before elections. This ongoing dialogue strengthens coordination and prevents last-minute confusion.
The communiqué emphasised one point clearly. Stronger partnerships between media and civil society are no longer optional—they're essential for Nigeria's electoral integrity.