The 1980s and 1990s were transformative decades for Nigeria, both politically and economically. The country went through periods of military rule, civilian unrest, and social upheaval. At the same time, Nigerian journalism faced its own set of challenges and triumphs. The newsrooms of this era were full of bold, daring journalists who were determined to tell the truth, no matter the consequences. This was a time when journalism wasn’t just about reporting—it was about standing up for what was right, often in the face of enormous pressure.
A Political Storm Brews
The political landscape of Nigeria in the 1980s and 1990s was turbulent to say the least. The 1980s started under the military regime of General Muhammadu Buhari, who came to power through a coup in 1983, only to be overthrown in another coup in 1985 by General Ibrahim Babangida. Babangida’s regime brought promises of a transition to democracy, but it was marked by political repression, human rights abuses, and increasing economic hardship for Nigerians.
In the 1990s, the political situation became even more unstable with the annulment of the 1993 presidential election, which was supposed to be Nigeria’s return to civilian rule. The controversial cancellation of the election result led to widespread protests, and the eventual establishment of a military government under General Sani Abacha in 1993, which ruled with an iron fist until his death in 1998.
During these times, Nigerian journalists had to tread carefully. But despite the risks, the media in the 80s and 90s continued to be a powerful force in the country’s politics, keeping the public informed and holding the government accountable.
Journalism Under Fire
One of the most defining features of Nigerian journalism during this time was its boldness. Despite censorship, threats, and harassment, journalists continued to speak truth to power. Newspapers like The Guardian, Punch, Vanguard, and This Day stood as pillars of resistance in a country where speaking out against the government often came at a great personal cost.
Journalists were not just passive observers; they were active participants in the fight for democracy and freedom. The press in the 1980s and 1990s was filled with investigative reports, opinion pieces, and exposés that sought to uncover the truth behind the political scandals and economic mismanagement plaguing the country. Journalists took risks by publishing sensitive stories, often working under the constant threat of government repression.
The era witnessed several high-profile clashes between the media and the military government. A notable example was the arrest of The Guardian editor, Olisa Agbakoba, who was imprisoned
in the 1990s for his investigative journalism that criticized the military regime. Another widely publicized case involved the closure of several newspapers and radio stations by the military government. The Nigerian press was under constant attack, but journalists were resilient, continuing to report on issues that affected the masses, from corruption and economic mismanagement to human rights violations and political assassinations.
The Birth of Investigative Journalism
The 1980s and 1990s saw the rise of investigative journalism in Nigeria. Journalists like Dele Giwa, who was the founding editor of Newswatch, made an indelible mark on the profession. Giwa’s fearless approach to exposing corruption in government, especially during the Babangida era, led to him becoming one of the most respected journalists in the country.
Sadly, his career was cut short in 1986 when he was assassinated by a letter bomb, a crime that was never fully investigated. Dele Giwa’s death shocked the nation and sent a chilling message to journalists who dared to challenge the government. His legacy, however, continued to inspire many journalists who saw his life as a symbol of the risks they were willing to take to uncover the truth.
In addition to Giwa, other journalists like Nduka Obaigbena of This Day, and Funmi Iyanda, who began her career in this era, carried the torch of investigative journalism. Their stories often focused on political corruption, military excesses, and economic mismanagement. These reporters not only informed the public but also played a crucial role in rallying Nigerians for political change.
The Role of Radio and Television
While print journalism was at the forefront of the media landscape in the 80s and 90s, radio and television also played significant roles in shaping public opinion. In a country as vast as Nigeria, where many people still lived in rural areas, radio was an important medium for the masses to stay informed. The Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) was the state-run television and radio service, but during this time, there were also independent stations, especially in Lagos, that began to make waves.
Radio and TV programs in the 80s and 90s tackled issues of national importance, with journalists often engaging in live broadcasts that addressed political corruption, social issues, and economic crises. The Sunday Show and Newsline, hosted by Christiane Amanpour, became household names, offering Nigerians a platform to hear about local and global news from a uniquely Nigerian perspective.
However, the government’s stranglehold on broadcast media made it difficult for journalists to report freely. State-run stations were heavily censored, and the military government often dictated what could or could not be aired. Despite these restrictions, independent broadcasters and journalists continued to push the envelope. The resistance from journalists was palpable, as they sought to provide alternative narratives to the official line presented by the government.
The Economic Struggles
Alongside the political challenges, Nigeria was also facing severe economic difficulties. The 80s and 90s were a period of economic instability, marked by the collapse of the oil market, soaring inflation, and unemployment rates that devastated the middle class. This economic hardship was reflected in the way journalists reported on the country’s crisis. The stories of everyday Nigerians struggling to make ends meet were told with such passion and urgency that they resonated with the people.
Reporters frequently highlighted the plight of ordinary citizens—those who were being affected by the government’s policies of austerity, the devaluation of the Naira, and the effects of military dictatorship. The media became the voice of the voiceless, documenting everything from widespread poverty and educational deficits to food scarcity and the breakdown of essential services.
Through these stories, Nigerian journalism played a key role in giving Nigerians a platform to speak out about their struggles. The country’s economic crisis was mirrored in the newsrooms, where journalists, like their fellow countrymen, had to make do with limited resources, but always found a way to deliver the news, often under immense pressure.
The End of an Era
The 1990s saw the eventual downfall of military rule in Nigeria, culminating in the return to civilian government in 1999. This marked the end of an era in Nigerian journalism, as the press transitioned from being a voice of resistance to one of oversight. The hard-hitting journalism of the 80s and 90s was no longer just about opposing military rule; it was now about guiding the country toward a better future, holding new governments accountable, and continuing to challenge corruption and social injustice.
The 1980s and 1990s were defining years for Nigerian journalism. Despite immense challenges—censorship, intimidation, violence, and political repression—journalists continued to pursue the truth with unwavering dedication. Their courage in reporting on the issues that mattered to the Nigerian people made them an integral part of the country’s fight for democracy. The legacy of these journalists remains today, with the media continuing to play a crucial role in shaping the future of Nigeria.
As we look back at the gritty, courageous journalism of this era, we are reminded of the power of the press to drive change. It wasn’t just about headlines and stories; it was about making sure that the voices of the people were heard, no matter how loud the government’s roar became. Nigerian journalists of the 80s and 90s were not just reporters—they were the heartbeat of a nation in transition.
