In Nigeria, a profound crisis of trust is reshaping the media landscape. Once a cornerstone of public discourse, traditional news outlets are losing ground as Nigerians increasingly turnaway from mainstream media, driven by skepticism, misinformation, and a fracturedrelationship with institutions. This growing distrust, fueled by systemic corruption,government interference, and the rise of social media, has significant implications fordemocracy and social cohesion. Below, we explore the roots of this crisis, recent examples,and what it means for Nigeria’s future, written in a crisp, engaging news style.
The Erosion of Trust in Nigerian Media
Nigeria’s media scene is vibrant, with over 100 national and local print titles, state andprivate broadcasters, and international giants like the BBC and CNN. Yet, public confidencein these outlets is waning. A 2023 survey by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalismfound that only 57% of Nigerians trust news media, a figure that, while stable, ranks lowcompared to global standards. Among English-speaking, online news users, just 38% believe the media is free from undue political influence. This skepticism stems from a broader crisis of trust in Nigeria’s institutions. Decades of corruption, weak governance, and a dysfunctional legal system have left citizens disillusioned. The media, often caught between government pressure and commercial interests, is no exception. “When you see headlines contradicting each other or stories thatfeel scripted, it’s hard to know what’s real,” says Lagos-based teacher Aisha Mohammed. Her sentiment echoes a growing perception that news outlets are either complicit in orpowerless against systemic issues.
Why Are Nigerians Ditching Traditional Media?
1. Perceived Bias and Government Interference: Nigerians have long suspected that some media outlets serve as mouthpieces forpolitical or ethnic interests. The 2020 #EndSARS protests, which demanded reforms to Nigeria’s Special Anti-Robbery Squad, exposed this fracture. When Twitter choseGhana over Nigeria for its African headquarters, the information minister blamed Nigerian journalists for “de-marketing” the country with their protest coverage. This accusation highlighted the tense relationship between the government and the press,with journalists facing harassment, arrests, and equipment seizures while reporting onsensitive issues like corruption or protests.
A 2021 report by the Committee to Protect Journalists noted multiple attacks on journalists covering protests, including a raid on the Daily Trust’s offices by soldiers seeking an editor. Such incidents reinforce the belief that the media is either suppressed or aligned with powerful interests, pushing citizens to seek alternatives.
2. The Rise of Social Media and Misinformation: With 122.5 million internet users as of January 2023, Nigeria’s youthful population isflocking to platforms like Twitter, WhatsApp, and TikTok for news. These platforms offer immediacy and diversity but are also breeding grounds for misinformation. A 2019 study found that 93% of Nigerians believe they regularly encounter false political news online, far higher than the 71% reported in the U.S.
During the 2019 elections, politicians reportedly paid “social media entrepreneurs” tospread disinformation about opponents, further eroding trust in information sources.The 2023 elections saw similar issues, prompting the creation of the Nigeria Factchecking Coalition, which included outlets like Daily Trust and Premium Times tocombat fake news. Yet, the coalition’s efforts struggled against the sheer volume of unverified content on social media.
3. Corruption’s Corrosive Effect: Corruption scandals, often exposed by investigative outlets like Premium Times, have paradoxically deepened distrust. While these exposés highlight media’s watchdog role, they also reinforce the perception that corruption is ubiquitous and unpunished. A 2023 Chatham House survey revealed significant dissatisfaction with Nigeria’s political leadership, with many citizens feeling that accountability is a myth.
When PresidentBola Tinubu claimed in 2025 that his reforms had “eliminated corruption,” religious leaders and citizens alike dismissed it as out of touch, pointing to ongoing scandals in government and the judiciary. This disconnect fuels a sense of resignation. “If the media exposes corruption andnothing changes, what’s the point of reading it?” asks Abuja-based trader Chukwuma Obi. For many, social media offers a raw, unfiltered alternative, even if it’s riddled within accuracies.
4. Economic Pressures on Media: The shift to digital platforms has strained traditional media’s business models. Print media, like The Punch and Vanguard, have seen a 5% drop in weekly reach asadvertising revenue moves online. Outlets like Daily Trust have launched subscription services like Trust Plus, but economic hardship exacerbated by a 28% drop in petrol consumption and soaring living costs makes it hard for Nigerians to pay for news. TheCOVID-19 pandemic worsened this, with media houses like Dandal Kura International slashing salaries by up to 80% due to ad revenue losses.
Recent Examples of the Trust Crisis
- NIUK Community Scandal (2025): A controversy involving the Nigerians in the UK Community on social media exposed how Nigerians bypass formal institutions for justice. Instead of trusting legal or media channels, many turned to platforms like Twitter to air grievances, amplifying partisan and ethnic divides. This mirrored the“Sex for Grades” scandal, where social media became a battleground for justice, sidelining traditional reporting.
- Journalist Attacks During Protests (2024): On August 1, 2024, Premium Times reporter Yakubu Mohammed was beaten by police while covering cost-of-livingprotests in Abuja. His phone was seized, and he was detained, highlighting the dangers journalists face. Such incidents make Nigerians question whether the media can report freely or if it’s coerced into silence.
- Election Misinformation (2023): During the 2023 elections, rampant misinformationon social media outpaced fact-checking efforts. Despite initiatives like the Nigeria Fact-checking Coalition, false narratives about candidates spread unchecked, leading many to distrust both traditional and digital sources.
The Consequences and the Way Forward
The trust crisis threatens Nigeria’s democracy. When citizens abandon reliable news for unverified social media, they risk making uninformed decisions, as seen in the 2019 and2023 elections. Low trust also fuels news avoidance, with the Reuters Institute noting a global rise in people selectively ignoring news due to fatigue. In Nigeria, this is compounded by a fractured legal system, where justice is often sought through “jungle justice” or socialmedia campaigns rather than courts.
To rebuild trust, media outlets must prioritize transparency and independence. Investigative platforms like Premium Times and civil society groups like BudgIT and SERAP have madestrides in exposing corruption, but they need broader support to effect change. Fact checking initiatives must scale up to counter misinformation, and media houses should invest in engaging younger audiences on platforms like TikTok, where 56% of 18–24-year olds now access news.
The government, too, must act. Reducing harassment of journalists and ensuring press freedom are critical. The 2021 Twitter ban and proposed social media regulations sparkedfears of censorship, further alienating the public. Reforming the legal system to deliver justice could also restore faith in institutions, indirectly bolstering media credibility.
Conclusion
Nigeria’s trust crisis is a symptom of deeper systemic failures, from corruption to a beleaguered legal system. As traditional media struggles against government pressure, economic woes, and the allure of social media, Nigerians are left navigating a chaotic information landscape. Recent events, from election misinformation to journalist attacks, underscore the urgency of addressing this crisis. For Nigeria to move forward, its media must reclaim its role as a trusted pillar of democracy before skepticism turns to apathy and the truth becomes just another casualty.
