Is it true that Nigerian journalists are no longer writing investigative reports? Lekan Otufodunrin answers in his weekly column in The Nation Newspapers.
I am always amused each time I hear many Nigerians, including those who should know better complain about the Nigeria media not producing investigative reports like in the past as in the days of the Late Dele Giwa, former Editor in Chief of the defunct Newswatch Magazine who was letter-bombed during the Babangida military regime.
Even those who have never read the supposed investigative reports of the period they speak of usually lament how most of the present corps of journalists have supposedly become lapdogs instead of watchdogs.
They are quick to claim that Nigerian journalists have sold out to politicians and government officials who they should hold accountable by the constitution’s provisions.
Many accuse journalists of collecting ‘brown envelopes’ as if every journalist indulges in the unethical practice. They hail people who claim to be investigative journalists based on unethical reports they amplify on social media as the best thing to have happened to journalism in Nigeria.
When international media organizations publish or broadcast investigative reports about Nigeria, critics of the media wonder why our media organizations cannot do the same or better ones since the issues in focus are local ones.
While the media, like any other sector in the country, has been weakened by various factors considering the state of the economy and other factors, the performance of the media in the country is not as bad as many critics claim.
Contrary to the impression that Nigerian journalists are not living up to expectations regarding investigative journalism, many investigative reports are published regularly across our print, broadcast and online platforms.
Despite limited resources, legacy media organizations are still churning out investigative reports as often as they can along with many Online platforms.
More than ever before, we now have several media Non-Governmental Organizations devoted to training and funding investigative reports, including the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ), the International Center for Investigative Reporting, (ICIR), the Center for Journalism Development and Innovation,(CJID ) formerly known as Premium Times Centre for Investigative Journalism and Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ)
Unfortunately, many critics claim they are not aware of the various investigative reports by the Nigerian media. What’s apparent is that even those who know of such reports are no longer moved by whatever level of shocking revelations about corruption in government, abuse of office, mismanagement of public funds and any other.
Many outstanding investigative reports by Nigerian journalists have won local and international reports which should be acknowledged instead of the sweeping claim that Investigative reporting belongs to the years past in the profession.
The job of the journalists is to investigate and report with the hope that anyone guilty of any infraction will be held accountable by the necessary authorities. While there have been instances where the government at various levels have been forced to action regarding some investigative reports, many have been ignored by not only the government but even the public who should use them to demand good governance.
Beyond investigative journalism, Nigerian journalists have keyed into new forms of practice including Solutions Journalism, Data Journalism and Fact checking.
While I agree that more investigative reporting can still be done considering the rot in the country, it’s necessary to acknowledge what exists and support media organisations that are also battling to survive due to the economic situation of the country that has affected their revenue base.
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