The Kano State Government has strongly dismissed a report by the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) listing Kano among the top three states allegedly violating press freedom in Nigeria, describing the report as “misleading, unfounded, and malicious.”
The Independent Mirror reports that while 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 true reality of press 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 stated.
According to the Commissioner, Kano remains one of the most open, media-friendly, and journalist-supportive states in the country, adding that Governor Yusuf’s administration has demonstrated a consistent commitment to press freedom, professional development, and inclusive civic engagement.
Waiya noted that within two years in office, Governor Yusuf had received multiple awards from reputable media organizations recognizing him as Nigeria’s most media-friendly governor.
These include awards from Vanguard, Blueprint, Leadership, This Nigeria, New Telegraph, and Independent Newspapers, among others.
He also highlighted that the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), during its 70th Anniversary in June 2025, honored the Governor as the Most Media-Friendly Governor in Nigeria, a testament to his respect for press freedom and open governance.
“Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has maintained an open-door policy, ensuring journalists have unrestricted access to information, and has continued to support the professional growth of media practitioners across the state,” Waiya added.
The Commissioner further revealed that the state government is working toward domesticating the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act in Kano to enhance transparency and public access to information.
He also outlined several initiatives under the current administration to support journalism and civic engagement, including:
Sponsorship and hosting of the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the NUJ in Kano.
Establishment and recognition of the Online Chapel of the NUJ to promote digital journalism.
Plans to host the National Conference of the Nigerian Society of Broadcasters (NSB).
Regular quarterly meetings with heads of media organizations in the state to promote ethical conduct and coordination.
Waiya also emphasized the government’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 stands out as the only state where civil society organizations freely organized a ‘Bad Governance’ protest without intimidation. Governor Yusuf personally received the protesters and assured them of his commitment to accountability,” the Commissioner said.
He urged the Wole Soyinka Centre and similar organizations to uphold professionalism, proper verification, and factual accuracy in their reports, cautioning against publications that could misrepresent progressive states like Kano.
“Anything contrary to this will be interpreted as mischievous, malicious, and misleading,” Waiya warned.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the government’s commitment to upholding press freedom, responsible journalism, and open dialogue as essential pillars of democracy and good governance.
“We will continue to partner with journalists and media organizations in promoting credible information, public enlightenment, and the overall development of Kano State,” he concluded.
