The International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria has announced a renewed and expanded campaign against individuals accused of undermining press freedom in the country with the opening of its press freedom hub in Abuja.
The President of IPI Nigeria and Editor-in-Chief of Premium Times, Musikilu Mojeed, made this known on Wednesday.
He spoke during the opening of the organisation’s new headquarters in Abuja as part of activities marking the World Press Freedom Day.
Mojeed described the opening of the Press Freedom Hub as a historic moment for the organisation.
He said: “This moment is not just symbolic.
“It is historic.”
According to him, the organisation had operated without a permanent office since the 1970s, often relying on the office of its sitting president.
Mojeed added: “Today, that changes.
“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 said the new hub would strengthen the organisation’s role in defending press freedom and protecting journalists.
He said: “More importantly, 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 Nigeria and beyond.
“It will serve as a centre for advocacy, dialogue, policy engagement, and continuous review of the state of media freedom in our country and beyond.”
Mojeed said the organisation could not ignore what he described as persistent attacks on press freedom.
He recalled that in December 2025, IPI Nigeria named the Niger State Governor Mohammed, Umaru Bago; Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno; and former Inspector General of Police, IGP Olukayode Egbetokun, in its “Book of Infamy” over actions allegedly undermining press freedom.
According to him, the organisation delayed broader action after Vice President Kashim Shettima appealed for time to intervene during the last IPI Nigeria annual conference.
“At the time, we deliberately refrained from launching a broader campaign against them out of deference to the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Kashim Shettima (GCON), who graciously attended our last annual conference and asked us to give him time to intervene,” he said.
“So, we allowed time for engagement, dialogue, and corrective action.”
Mojeed said no meaningful steps had been taken since then.
He said: “Regrettably, no such action has been taken.”
“As we stand here today, the concerns that led to their inclusion in that list remain valid, unaddressed, and ongoing.”
He announced that IPI Nigeria would intensify its campaign against those listed by the organisation.
He said: “Therefore, from this very platform, from this new home of press freedom advocacy, we are announcing the relaunch and escalation of our efforts against these individuals and others whose names are in the Book.
“IPI Nigeria will initiate a global campaign to hold these individuals accountable until meaningful corrective steps are taken.
“We do not take this step lightly.
“But silence in the face of persistent violations is not an option.”
Describing the new facility as more than just a building, Mojeed said it signalled a stronger phase in the fight for media freedom in Nigeria.
He added: “This new Press Freedom Hub is not just a building.
“It is a statement.
“A statement that the defence of press freedom in Nigeria is entering a new phase: more structured, more visible, and more resolute.”
Mojeed also called on the government, civil society groups, media professionals, and the international community to support the organisation’s mission.
