Nigeria's broadcasting regulator, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), is set to revoke the licenses of 52 media organizations due to unpaid fees totaling $6.2 million. The NBC had given a grace period after publishing a list of debtors in May, but those who have not paid are now ordered to cease operations within 24 hours. The decision has been criticized by Nigeria's Union of Journalists and the heads of affected stations, who argue that the economic climate in Nigeria should be considered and that a media blackout could have negative security consequences. The NBC's action follows recent fines imposed on four Nigerian stations for their coverage of insecurity, raising concerns about press freedom in the country, which ranks 129th on the World Press Freedom Index.

Nigeria's broadcasting regulator, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), is set to revoke the licenses of 52 media organizations due to unpaid fees totaling $6.2 million. The NBC had given a grace period after publishing a list of debtors in May, but those who have not paid are now ordered to cease operations within 24 hours. The decision has been criticized by Nigeria’s Union of Journalists and the heads of some affected stations, who argue that the economic climate in Nigeria should be considered and that a media blackout could have negative security consequences. The NBC has also recently fined several stations for their coverage of insecurity, but insists that the license revocation is not retaliatory or political. Nigeria is ranked 129th on the World Press Freedom Index, indicating challenging conditions for the media.

Oluwaseun Ayodeji Osowobi, a sexual assault survivor in Nigeria, founded Stand to End Rape (STER) to provide support to other survivors and advocate for cultural and legal changes. The article discusses the increased risk of sexual and other violence against women and girls globally during the COVID-19 pandemic, coinciding with the International Day of the Girl Child. It highlights efforts in various African countries to address the issue, including legal reforms in Nigeria and Sierra Leone, and the use of schools as safe houses in Kenya. The article also touches on the rise in child marriages due to the pandemic's economic impact, as reported by Save the Children. Activists and organizations like FEMNET and Girls Not Brides USA are working to combat gender-based violence and child marriage, emphasizing the need for early intervention and dedicated resources.