Investigative Journalism and Accountability Reporting in North Central Nigeria

This study examines the practice and impact of investigative journalism and accountability reporting in North Central Nigeria, assessing the capacity, constraints, and outcomes of investigative reporting in the region. Investigative journalism plays a critical democratic role by exposing corruption, policy failures, and abuses of power that official oversight mechanisms miss. North Central Nigeria, comprising the Federal Capital Territory and five states with significant mineral resources, oil revenues, and political complexity, is an important site for examining accountability journalism. This study uses a qualitative methodology combining in-depth interviews with 22 journalists who have conducted investigative or accountability reporting in Niger, Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, and Plateau States, with content analysis of 40 investigative reports published by regional and national outlets covering the region from 2020 to 2023. Findings reveal that most investigative reports in the region are produced by national rather than local outlets, reflecting capacity gaps in regional journalism. Funding for investigative work is the most frequently cited structural constraint, followed by source protection challenges and advertiser pressure. Reports that generate documented policy or accountability outcomes are in the minority. Only three of 40 analysed reports resulted in prosecutorial investigation or significant policy change. Female investigative journalists report additional challenges of sexual harassment and threats to family. The study concludes that investigative journalism capacity in North Central Nigeria requires significant institutional development. It recommends investigative journalism training funds, editorial independence protection, and source protection legislation for the region.

Keywords: investigative journalism, accountability, North Central Nigeria, press freedom, corruption reporting.