The Kano State Government has rejected a report by the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ), which ranked the state among the top three in Nigeria allegedly violating press freedom. The government described the report as “misleading, unfounded, and malicious.”
Addressing journalists in Kano on Tuesday, the state Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, said the report, titled “Shrinking Freedoms: 2024 Journalism and Civic Space Status Report,” does not reflect the reality of media freedom and civic engagement in the state.
“The Kano State Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, categorically rejects this claim in its entirety. The report is nothing but a figment of imagination concocted by armchair analysts masquerading under the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism,” Waiya declared.
He stated that Kano remains one of the most open and media-friendly states in the country, emphasizing that Governor Yusuf’s administration has shown unwavering commitment to press freedom, professional growth, and inclusive civic participation.
According to him, within just two years in office, Governor Yusuf has received several awards from respected media organizations — including Vanguard, Blueprint, Leadership, ThisNigeria, New Telegraph, and Independent Newspapers — recognizing him as Nigeria’s most media-friendly governor.
Waiya also noted that the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), during its 70th Anniversary in June 2025, honored Governor Yusuf with the “Most Media-Friendly Governor” award — a recognition he said reflected the administration’s respect for press freedom and transparency.
“Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has maintained an open-door policy, ensuring journalists have unrestricted access to information and continuous support for their professional development,” he added.
The Commissioner revealed that the state government is working to domesticate the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act to strengthen transparency and public access to information.
He further highlighted several initiatives promoting journalism and civic engagement, including:
Sponsorship and hosting of the NUJ National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Kano.
Establishment and recognition of the NUJ Online Chapel to promote digital journalism.
Plans to host the National Conference of the Nigerian Society of Broadcasters (NSB).
Regular quarterly meetings with media executives to promote ethical standards and coordination.
Waiya also underscored the administration’s cordial relationship with civil society organizations (CSOs), citing Kano’s hosting of the First Civil Society Conference and Governor Yusuf’s tolerance of peaceful protests as evidence of democratic openness.
“Kano remains the only state where civil society groups freely organized a ‘Bad Governance’ protest without intimidation. The governor personally received the protesters and assured them of his administration’s commitment to accountability,” he said.
Waiya urged the Wole Soyinka Centre and similar institutions to maintain professionalism and factual accuracy in their reports, warning that misleading publications could undermine the image of progressive states like Kano.
“Anything contrary to this will be seen as mischievous, malicious, and misleading,” he cautioned.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the government’s dedication to promoting press freedom, responsible journalism, and open dialogue as key pillars of democracy and good governance.
“We will continue to partner with journalists and media organizations to advance credible information, public enlightenment, and the overall development of Kano State,” Waiya concluded.