[1] This tradition firmly established newspapers as a means to advocate for political reform and accountability, roles they continue to fulfill in Nigeria today.
[2] These privately owned outlets were instrumental in holding leaders to account, often operating under significant pressure, including censorship and harassment during periods of military rule.
[3] The introduction of the Freedom of Information Act in 2011 marked a significant step toward transparency, granting citizens and journalists access to public records.
[5] The widespread practice of giving journalists "brown envelopes"—cash payments for favorable coverage—has compounded ethical challenges in Nigerian journalism.
[9] These platforms have gained prominence for their investigative journalism and ability to publish stories quickly, particularly on sensitive issues that traditional media may avoid.