ACMJ Article

Media censorship in Nigeria has progressed from the colonial period, through the military regimes, to democratic dispensation, with successive administrations using legal and institutional measures to control press freedom. This study examined media censorship under President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration (2015–2023), focusing on the censorship measures in place during Buhari’s tenure. Grounded in democratic participant theory, the study adopted a qualitative research approach, analysing secondary data from academic sources, government reports, and media watchdogs. Findings revealed that while the government cited national security and misinformation control, the pressure of censorship, such as the 2021 Twitter ban, the Cybercrime Act, NBC sanctions, and the harassment of journalists and media houses, undermined press freedom, limited access to information, and fuelled self-censorship. Cases of arrests, suspensions and digital restrictions paralysed the opposition voices. However, journalists, civil society, and international watchdogs’ resistance pushed back against these measures. The study concluded that Buhari’s administration was one of the most restrictive in terms of press freedom in Nigeria through the use of legal, economic and digital control mechanisms. Nonetheless, civil resistance prevented total suppression. Thus, it is recommended that legal reforms take place, particularly a review of the Cybercrime Act and NBC Code, ensuring judicial protection of journalists and reinforcing advocacy for press freedom, such that regulations are in line with democratic principles and values.

MEDIA CENSORSHIP IN DEMOCRATIC NIGERIA DURING PRESIDENT MOHAMMADU BUHARI’S ADMINISTRATION (2015-2023), 2025, Vol. 2, No. 1, pp. 15-25. PDF