By Omoyeni Ojeifo, Abuja
In commemoration of World Press Freedom Day, the Nigerian chapter of the International Press Institute (IPI) on Wednesday opened its first official permanent office in Abuja, marking a major milestone in its decades-long presence in the country.
The facility, known as a Press Freedom Hub, was inaugurated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony performed by the MacArthur Foundation.
Speaking at the event covered by Persecondnews, IPI Nigeria President, Musikilu Mojeed, described the development as historic, noting that the institute had operated in Nigeria since the 1970s without a dedicated office.
“This moment is not just symbolic. It is historic. Since the 1970s, when IPI Nigeria began operating in our country, the organisation has functioned largely without a permanent home, often operating from the office of its sitting president,” he said.
Mojeed said the new headquarters would serve as a central hub for engagement, coordination, and policy-driven advocacy on media freedom.
“With this new facility, we are establishing, for the first time, a dedicated institutional home for IPI Nigeria, a place where our assets can be securely housed, where members can convene, and where ideas can be shaped into action,” he stated.
He added that the institute was entering a new phase of advocacy, with a renewed commitment to defending press freedom and holding violators accountable.
“This Press Freedom Hub represents a renewed commitment to our core mandate defending press freedom, advancing independent journalism, and ensuring the safety of journalists across and beyond Nigeria.”
He further declared that the institute would intensify efforts against individuals accused of undermining media freedom.
“From this very platform, from this new home of press freedom advocacy, we are announcing the relaunch and escalation of our efforts against individuals whose actions undermine press freedom.
“We will initiate a global campaign to hold them accountable until meaningful corrective steps are taken,” he declared.
Mojeed stressed that silence in the face of persistent violations was no longer an option, noting that the new office symbolises a more structured and resolute phase in press freedom advocacy.
“This is not just a building. It is a statement that the defence of press freedom in Nigeria is entering a new phase. One that is more structured, more visible, and more resolute,” he said.
In her remarks, the Deputy Director of the MacArthur Foundation Dr. Amina Salihu, noted that journalism remains central to democratic development, describing the media as critical infrastructure for any functioning democracy.
“Journalism and the media are the information infrastructure that any democracy needs. Without it, you cannot have an enduring democracy, and without an enduring democracy, you cannot have development,” she said.
She commended IPI Nigeria for its role in advancing accountability and responsible use of resources in strengthening press freedom.
“It is an honour to be called upon to commission this Press Freedom Hub. Every effort in philanthropy only makes meaning when there are credible partners, and IPI has shown itself to be one.”
Persecondnews reports that also in attendance were journalists and media executives, including Garba Shehu, a former Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the late President Muhammadu Buhari.
The secretariat inauguration signifies a new phase in the push for a free, safe, and independent media environment in Nigeria.
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