What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to explore the historical context and development of newspapers in Nigeria, particularly their relationship with politics and the military.

June 18, 2026

Issues in Nigeria Mass Media: Politics, the Military and a Survivor Ethnic Press

Key Points

The aim is to explore the historical context and development of newspapers in Nigeria, particularly their relationship with politics and the military.
Examined the history and developmental process of newspapers in Nigeria.
Analyzed the urban and ethnic nature of press development and its impact on democracy.
Challenged the press to refocus on its role in disseminating development-based information.
Identified that the urban-centric nature of Nigeria's press has alienated a significant portion of the population, including rural and low-income groups.
Noted the continuity of ethnic representation in independent newspapers from historical roots to the present.
Concluded that the press needs to broaden its focus to fulfill its democratic responsibilities.

Abstract

Abstract This paper explores the history and developmental process of newspapers in Nigeria. It examines the effect of military invasion of the political space and underscores the urban, ethnic and regional nature of press development in the country. The author examines and explains how the urban nature of the press has isolated from the democratic process, majority of Nigerians who are not just rural denizens but equally illiterate, poor and development-information starved. The paper notes that the urban but ethnic nature of the press from its origins subsists in today’s independent newspapers. It concludes with a challenge to the press to redefine itself by refocusing the traditional journalistic surveillance radar on its democratic/civic responsibilities, which include disseminating to all the people development-based information required in an all-inclusive democratic process. Key Words: Newspapers, Press, Politics, Military, Nigeria JCMRJournal of Communication and Media Research, Vol. 4, No. 1, April 2012, 1 – 14. © Delmas Communications Ltd. About the author 1Dr. Stanley Naribo Ngoa is the Head, Department of Mass Communication, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State. Nigeria. He is also a Senior Research Associate at the Centre for the Study of Democracy, Rhodes University/University of Johannesburg, South Africa. Full Article Words: 7,862; Pages: 14

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