By Jemimah Shuna Dogo
Data journalism has emerged as a powerful tool, allowing journalists to delve deeper into complex issues and present information in a compelling and accessible manner. However, data journalism faces numerous challenges in Nigeria that hinder its full potential. This article aims to shed light on some of these challenges and explore potential solutions to enhance the practice of data journalism in the Nigerian context.
The first challenge is that of limited Access to Reliable Data. The lack of credible and current data is one of the biggest problems data journalism in Nigeria faces. Government institutions and agencies frequently lack transparency and may suppress information that would interest the general public. Obtaining accurate and thorough data, essential for fact-checking and creating data-driven stories, is difficult for journalists. Journalists find it challenging to offer unbiased analysis and hold public officials accountable without trustworthy information. To curb this challenge, it is essential to promote open data laws. This can be achieved through advocacy and campaign. The government should encourage openness and give the general public and media easy access to data.
Secondly, the lack of data literacy among journalists is a setback. A unique skill set that combines conventional reporting with data analysis and visualisation is needed for data journalism. To properly deal with data, however, many journalists in Nigeria lack the requisite data literacy abilities. Because of this knowledge gap, fewer journalists can use data-driven methodologies in their reporting, leading to a dearth of data-driven stories. Training and capacity building is the answer to this challenge to be tackled. Media institutions, NGOs, and international organisations can work together to provide workshops, seminars, and online courses that give journalists the skills they need to gather, analyse, and visualise data properly.
Another obstacle that hinders the practice of data journalism in Nigeria is a lack of adequate technological infrastructure for journalists using data; issues including limited internet connectivity, erratic power, and obsolete devices and software present serious difficulties. These challenges limit the potential for data-driven journalism in the nation by impeding data collection, analysis, and distribution. Overcoming this obstacle involves Infrastructure development. Stakeholders in Nigeria’s media sector should give infrastructure improvements a top priority. Collaborations between media outlets, IT firms, and governmental organisations can help find long-term solutions to these infrastructure problems.
Furthermore, security and safety issues obstruct the practice of data Journalism. When reporting on corruption and other pressing societal issues or conducting sensitive investigations, journalists in Nigeria frequently worry about their safety and security. These hazards can increase when using data journalism, which may involve disclosing untruths. Data journalism is discouraged by threats, intimidation, and attacks on journalists, which also restrict press freedom and the public’s right to information. Strengthening press freedom is vital to ensuring that journalists can work without fear of retaliation. Government institutions, civil society organisations, and international organisations need to collaborate.
Finally, lack of locally-bred Journalism models. Scholars believe that If journalism adheres to the Western model’s principles, it will be unable to fulfil its mandate to contribute to “new knowledge”. In this context, “new knowledge” may refer to understanding rules and traditions that are particular to each culture. Therefore, a model that best fits regional circumstances is required. To conclude, data journalism holds immense potential for enhancing transparency, accountability, and public engagement in Nigeria.
Jemimah Shuna Dogo can be contacted via Jemimah.dogo@kasu.edu.ng.