Exploring sources beyond government for investigative reporting

Considering the high level of corruption and scandals in government at all levels in the country, its not surprising that government is largely the focus of most investigative reports by journalists.

The reports are usually about wrong doings by government officials, failed projects or programmes, mismanagements and others.

However, beyond government programmes, policies and related issues there are sectors of the society that should also interest journalists.

The theme of the Journalism and Society Conversation on X space by the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) on July 30 was “Is the government the only story?”

At the panel discussion hosted by the Centre, journalists and media professionals explored the significance of looking beyond governmental entities to uncover compelling narratives and hold power accountable in other sectors.

Moderated by Adesewa Odusoga, Reporter and Producer at News Central TV, the panel featured distinguished voices in journalism and media. Executive Director at Media Career Development Network, Lekan Otufodunrin; Head of Energy Desk at BusinessDay Newspaper, Dipo Oladehinde; and Sports Presenter and Producer at Channels Television, Cecilia Omorogbe who shared their insights on the multifaceted nature of investigative journalism.

According to the Executive Director ,WSCIJ), Mrs Motunrayo Alaka, while governmental scrutiny remains vital, significant stories and issues often lie hidden within other realms including private sector activities, energy corporations, and sports organisations that should be investigated.

Represented at the event, Alaka emphasised the necessity of diversifying investigative focus, noting that accountability and transparency are not solely government obligations.

“Private entities and non-governmental organisations wield substantial power and influence, and investigative journalism must shine a light on their activities,” she asserted.

She underscored the importance of reporting on these sectors, stating that everyone has to be accountable and everyone must be transparent in whatever they do.

According to her, WSCIJ has partnered with various individuals and organisations to carry out work in both areas of the private sector and the public sector, with both non-state actors and state actors.

While investigating non-governmental and private sectors presents unique challenges as access to information and resources can be more restricted compared to governmental entities, the panelists provided practical strategies to overcome these hurdles.

Oladehinde, discussed how investigative journalism can hold energy corporations accountable, especially in Nigeria.

“The energy sector is critical to our economy, and there is a pressing need to uncover corruption and ensure transparency,” he emphasised. He stressed the importance of more investigative reporting in the oil and gas sector, highlighting the need for transparency and accountability from players in the sector.

Oladehinde elaborated on strategies for investigative journalists, stating that journalists need to leverage collaboration, put the regulators more on the spot to get the right information out, and pay attention to budget numbers and private sector activities.

“Investigative journalists must be adept at analysing data and identifying discrepancies to reveal significant stories about mismanagement and corruption,” Oladehinde said.

Omorogbe shared her experience in sports journalism, discussing the role of investigative reporting in uncovering corruption in sports, including doping and athlete welfare.

She highlighted the difficulty in obtaining truthful information from athletes and the challenges of information hoarding.

Omorogbe called for more investigative efforts in sports, stressing the need for athletes to speak freely without fear of victimisation.

“Journalists must dig deeper to get the right information from athletes, international bodies, and local administrators to open up about the amounts they receive and their welfare,” she stated.

Otufodunrin highlighted the evolution and current trends in investigative journalism in Nigeria noting the shift towards more in-depth reporting and research over the decades.

“There was a movement from just listening to government officials and reporting their statements to deeper research and investigation, holding the government accountable, and verifying what really happened,” he explained.

Otufodunrin emphasised the importance of training and retraining journalists to use the necessary tools to upscale their investigative reporting. “With technology now, we have more access to institutions, individuals, and social justice issues that need to be pursued using new technology,” he said.

He also stressed the role of collaboration and technology in overcoming challenges in investigative reporting, suggesting that collaborating with international journalists, leveraging technology for data analysis, and building networks with regulators and watchdog organisations can significantly enhance the effectiveness of investigative journalism.

The panelists stressed the importance of looking beyond the government to uncover stories in other sectors by diversifying investigative focus to hold all power structures accountable, promote transparency, and drive positive change in society.