Nigeria
Freedom at a Glance
Global Freedom
44 / 100
Partly Free
Internet Freedom
59 / 100
Partly Free
Security challenges, including insurgencies, kidnappings, and communal and sectarian violence in the Middle Belt region, threaten the human rights of millions of Nigerians. The vibrant media landscape is impeded by criminal defamation laws, as well as the frequent harassment and arrests of journalists who cover politically sensitive topics.
Research & Recommendations
Nigeria
Partly Free
44
100
| PR Political Rights | 20 40 |
| CL Civil Liberties | 24 60 |
Last Year's Score & Status
44
100
Partly Free
A country or territory’s Freedom in the World status depends on its aggregate Political Rights score, on a scale of 0–40, and its aggregate Civil Liberties score, on a scale of 0–60.
See the methodology.
Overview
While Nigeria has made significant improvements to the quality of its elections since the 1999 transition to civilian rule, balloting has continued to be marred by irregularities. Corruption is endemic in the petroleum industry, and security challenges—including insurgencies, kidnappings, and communal and sectarian violence in the Middle Belt region—threaten the basic rights of millions of Nigerians. Military and law enforcement agencies often engage in extrajudicial killings, torture, and other abuses. Civil liberties are undermined by religious and ethnic bias, while women and LGBT+ people face pervasive discrimination. The vibrant media landscape is impeded by criminal defamation laws as well as the frequent harassment and arrest of journalists who cover politically sensitive topics.
Freedom in the World 2025 Policy Recommendations
Prioritize strengthening the rule of law and delivering economic dividends in the aftermath of political transitions
In countries where democratic forces have come to power after periods of antidemocratic rule, the new governments should pursue an agenda that protects and expands freedoms even as it delivers tangible economic and social benefits to citizens.
In countries emerging from war or the collapse of authoritarian regimes, focus on safety, reconciliation, reform
These countries must act swiftly to release all political prisoners, build or revitalize democratic institutions, reform police and other security forces, organize and hold competitive multiparty elections, and ensure accountability for past human rights violations.
Bolster checks and balances to mitigate the threat of democratic backsliding
In countries where there has been significant erosion of political rights and civil liberties, policymakers, legislators, jurists, civic activists, and donor communities should work to strengthen institutional guardrails and norms that serve to constrain elected leaders with antidemocratic or illiberal aims.
Nigeria
Partly Free
59
100
| A Obstacles to Access | 17 25 |
| B Limits on Content | 24 35 |
| C Violations of User Rights | 18 40 |
Last Year's Score & Status
59
100
Partly Free
Scores are based on a scale of 0 (least free) to 100 (most free).
See the methodology and report acknowledgements.
Political Overview
While Nigeria has made significant improvements to the quality of its elections since the 1999 transition to civilian rule, balloting has continued to be marred by irregularities. Corruption is endemic in the petroleum industry, and security challenges—including insurgencies, kidnappings, and communal and sectarian violence in the Middle Belt region—threaten the basic rights of millions of Nigerians. Military and law enforcement agencies often engage in extrajudicial killings, torture, and other abuses. Civil liberties are undermined by religious and ethnic bias, while women and LGBT+ people face pervasive discrimination. The vibrant media landscape is impeded by criminal defamation laws as well as the frequent harassment and arrest of journalists who cover politically sensitive topics.
Freedom on the Net 2025 Policy Recommendations
Countering Restrictions on Freedom of Expression
Freedom of expression online has been and is increasingly under attack as governments shut off internet connectivity, block social media platforms, and restrict access to websites that host political, social, and religious speech. Protecting freedom of expression will require strong legal and regulatory safeguards for digital communications.
Countering Manipulation of the Online Environment
Governments should encourage a whole-of-society approach to fostering a high-quality, diverse, and trustworthy information space. The Global Declaration on Information Integrity Online identifies best practices for safeguarding the information ecosystem, to which governments should adhere.
Countering Restrictions on Privacy and Disproportionate Government Surveillance
Comprehensive data-protection regulations and industry policies on data protection are essential for upholding privacy and combating disproportionate government surveillance, but they require careful crafting to ensure that they do not contribute to internet fragmentation—the siloing of the global internet into nation-based segments—and cannot be used by governments to undermine privacy and other fundamental freedoms.
The son of an Islamic scholar and a chemical engineer by training, Mubarak Bala grew up in northern Nigeria. Though the country’s constitution bars the federal and state governments from adopting a state religion, Sharia (Islamic law) is recognized in several northern states, where most of Nigeria’s Muslim population resides. Bala, who began exploring religion in his youth, spoke openly about leaving Islam. He began advocating for freedom of religion in Nigeria and earned the enmity of government authorities. His fearless advocacy on behalf of religious freedom resulted in a 24-year prison sentence.
News and Updates
Freedom House Perspectives
News Releases & Media Coverage
Country Facts
Basic Facts
Freedom in the World Score
44
/ 100
Partly Free
Freedom on the Net Score
59
/ 100
Partly Free
Population: 218,500,000
Internet Facts
Status
Partly Free
Networks Restricted
No
Social Media Blocked
No
Websites Blocked
Yes
Pro-government Commentators
Yes
Users Arrested
Yes
Election Facts
Status
Past Election
Date of Election
February 25, 2023
Type of Election
General
Internet Penetration
40.40%
Election Year
2023
Vulnerability Index
51
/ 100
Transnational Repression
Status
Not Tracked
