On streets across Nigeria, where noise, chaos, and movement are the order of the day, there was once a time when the power of print was unmatched. Newspapers weren’t just a source of information – they were lifelines, and the people who brought them to the streets were true hustlers. It wasn’t just about delivering the latest headlines; it was about survival, influence, and in some cases, life-or-death stakes. The vibrant hustle of the Nigerian journalism world of the past still echoes in the stories of the street vendors, the brave reporters, and the resilient distributors who lived and breathed news.
The early days of Nigerian journalism were deeply interwoven with the country’s political and social challenges. From colonial times to the post-independence struggles, newspapers were not just a medium for reporting events; they were weapons in the hands of those who sought change. Journalists were the torchbearers of truth, challenging corrupt politicians and exposing social injustices. The distribution and delivery of news was a race, not only against time but against the forces that would rather keep people in the dark.
The Street Hustlers: Vendors and Distributors
For every headline that was printed, there was a street vendor who would make sure that the news reached the people. These vendors, known for their persistence and street smarts, were the unsung heroes of the newspaper industry. In cities like Lagos, Kano, and Port Harcourt, the competition was fierce. Everyone wanted the freshest scoop, and the street vendors knew that to make money, they had to stay one step ahead.
“Na who get paper now? Where the latest one dey?” these vendors would shout as they made their way through crowded streets, raising their wares high, competing with each other to attract attention. It was a game of wits, timing, and geography. You had to know where your customers were, and if you wanted to make a sale, you had to know when to strike.
But it wasn’t always smooth sailing. The hustle was often dangerous. Political unrest in Nigeria meant that sometimes the streets became battlegrounds, and the very people who brought the news to the masses became targets. Newspapers with critical reporting could lead to violence. Distributors could find themselves in the midst of riots, or worse, in the crosshairs of government forces trying to suppress dissent. But even in the face of this danger, these distributors kept going. Their loyalty to the news was unmatched, and their survival instincts were finely tuned.
Reporters: The Brave Warriors of the Press
While the vendors fought their battles on the streets, reporters faced their own challenges in the newsroom and out in the field. Reporting in Nigeria has never been easy, especially during politically volatile periods. Journalists in the 80s and 90s were often forced to navigate a complex landscape of censorship, repression, and threats. Newspapers like The Guardian, Daily Times, and Newswatch were not only providing information; they were challenging the government, holding the powerful accountable, and in many cases, putting their lives on the line to do so.
The relationship between reporters and the streets was symbiotic. The newsrooms were alive with reporters typing away at their desks, editing stories, and feeding information to the public. But for the news to reach the people, it had to go through the distributors and vendors, who themselves were part of the pulse of the community. A reporter might be working late on a story about a political scandal, but it was the vendor who would make sure that the masses read about it the very next day.
One particular challenge was the distribution of sensitive news. In the face of oppressive regimes, getting newspapers onto the streets became a covert operation. During the military regimes of the 1980s and 90s, many newspapers were banned or seized, and journalists often had to be creative in how they distributed the news. At times, newspapers would be printed in secret locations, and only trusted distributors knew how to get them into the hands of the public.
“We had to be smart about how we moved,” says Tunde, a former newspaper distributor who worked through the turbulent 90s. “Sometimes we had to hide the papers under goods in the market or in car boots just to make sure they didn’t get seized by the authorities.”
This underground hustle was not just about money; it was about making sure the people got the news they needed to survive, to resist, and to understand the world around them.
The Evolution of the Hustle
As technology advanced, the hustle of the Nigerian newspaper industry began to shift. The rise of digital media and social platforms changed the game. News that once took hours or even days to reach the public could now be transmitted instantly. The internet has made information more accessible, but there’s something about the tangible feel of a newspaper in your hands that can’t be replicated by a screen.
Yet, the hustle remains alive. Vendors who once carried newspapers on their heads now carry mobile devices, offering digital subscriptions and news updates on the go. The street still remains a space for information exchange, though the tools have changed. The digital age has brought challenges of its own – from fake news to digital censorship – but the passion for delivering the truth to the people has not waned.
One thing that has changed, however, is the pace. In the days when the latest news was a matter of survival, the pressure to get the right story out first was immense. Today, with the internet and mobile phones, the race has become more intense. Everyone has the ability to be a reporter, but the hustle still remains for those who want to make a real impact.
Journalism Today: The Legacy Lives On
The journalism hustle of the past has left a lasting legacy on the Nigerian media landscape. The stories of those who risked it all to deliver the news still inspire journalists and distributors today. Even as the country continues to grapple with its own set of challenges, the role of the media remains as critical as ever.
“People are still hungry for the truth,” says Chike, a reporter at a leading Nigerian newspaper. “We may have digital platforms now, but there’s still a lot of work to be done on the ground. Journalism is still a hustle. It’s still about getting the story, telling it right, and sometimes, putting yourself in harm’s way to make sure the public knows what’s going on.”
The true essence of the Naija journalism hustle is still alive today, albeit in new forms. The pressure, the speed, and the risks may have changed, but the core values remain the same. Journalists, vendors, distributors, and reporters are all part of an ecosystem that thrives on urgency, truth, and survival.
As we reflect on the past, we should remember the sacrifices of those who fought to get the news out, even when it was dangerous. Their hustle was not just about selling newspapers; it was about ensuring that the truth reached the streets, no matter the cost. And today, in the age of digital media, we continue the legacy, still hustling to bring the news to the people, just as it was done decades ago. The Naija hustle lives on.
