Workplace Harrassment, Bullying & Intimidation In Media Organisations In Nigeria: Our Position

The Guild of Private Media Managers has noticed, with utter consternation and disgust, the recent disturbing developments following credible reports from within our industry as it relates to high-handed behavior, assault, battery, physical and psychological abuse—among other negative behaviors—which have become increasingly prevalent within our profession today, mostly by media owners and leaders.

As a professional body within the media stratosphere and the sole representation of the leadership of private media organizations in Nigeria, we wish to publicly and strongly condemn and vehemently denounce all forms of workplace harassment, bullying, and intimidation within media organizations across Nigeria involving individuals currently at the helm of affairs. As a body committed to the promotion of ethical media practices and the protection of media professionals, we find it imperative to address the increasing reports of high-handed behavior, oppressive leadership, and toxic work environments within our industry.

Recent news and testimonies from media professionals highlight disturbing trends where media owners, managers, and senior staff subject employees to verbal abuse, undue pressure, exploitation, and professional sabotage. These actions not only violate ethical labor practices but also severely hinder creativity, productivity, and professional growth within the sector.

The Guild views this trend as utterly despicable, totally reprehensible, highly unacceptable, and grossly tasteless—actions that all true professionals and deeply passionate practitioners must jointly renounce, with immediate punitive actions swiftly following suit without hesitation.

The consequences of workplace bullying and intimidation are far-reaching. They stifle innovation, breed fear, and create an environment where professionals are unable to thrive. A hostile workplace leads to high staff turnover, mental and emotional distress, and ultimately, a decline in the quality of media content produced. This, in turn, weakens the credibility of the media as an institution and damages the reputation of the industry both locally and globally.

The Guild is unequivocal in its stance: any form of workplace harassment is unethical, unprofessional, and wholly unacceptable. We strongly denounce any media leader who engages in or condones such practices, as it is detrimental to global best practices in media operations and management. Nigeria’s media landscape must align with international labor standards that prioritize dignity, respect, and the well-being of all workers.

In line with our commitment to fostering a safe and progressive media environment, the Guild of Private Media Managers is launching a nationwide campaign against workplace bullying and harassment while actively promoting Safer Creative Spaces. Through our various regional and state levels, all executive leadership is hereby mandated to commence a widespread and massive campaign against unfair workplace practices, attitudes, and harmful behaviors. The #OperationSaferCreativeSpace and #ZeroToleranceforWorkplaceBullying campaigns are now in full effect, as the Guild is committed to ensuring that defaulters are effectively dealt with through the instrumentality of the law.

This initiative will involve advocacy, sensitization programs, and intervention strategies to address toxic workplace cultures and ensure that media practitioners can work in an environment free of fear and intimidation.

We call on all media organizations, media owners, regulatory bodies, and professional associations to join hands in championing workplace safety and ethical leadership as the President Uzoyi-Peters administration is passionate and committed to sanitizing our industry, weeding out non-professionals from our fold. We urge media professionals who have experienced or witnessed workplace harassment to speak up and seek redress within the ambit of the law, as we assure them of the Guild’s full support in seeking justice.

The future of Nigeria’s media industry depends on the establishment of workspaces that encourage collaboration, creativity, and professional development. Together, we must uphold the integrity of our industry by fostering workplaces where every media professional is treated with dignity and respect.

The Guild of Private Media Managers stands firm in its resolve to ensure a healthier, safer, and more inclusive media environment in Nigeria and beyond.

Signed,

Dr. Sammy Adrian Ajufo MNGRM CBMP MNIPR FIPMA

National Secretary General, Guild of Private Media Managers of Nigeria