GOMEP-NG Seeks National Assembly’s Support for Online Media Regulation Act

GOMEP-NG Seeks National Assembly’s Support for Online Media Regulation Act

The Guild of Online Media Editors and Publishers of Nigeria (GOMEP-NG) has urged the National Assembly to initiate legislation to formally recognise and regulate the country’s rapidly expanding online media industry.

The National President of the guild, Comrade Akpovoke Otiti, made the call in a letter addressed to the leadership of the National Assembly, seeking legislative action towards the establishment of an Act governing online media editors and publishers in Nigeria.

Otiti said the proposed legislation would provide a structured legal and professional framework for online media practitioners, while promoting responsible journalism, ethical standards and accountability in the digital space.

According to him, the increasing influence of online media in shaping public opinion, disseminating information and contributing to national discourse makes it imperative for the sector to have an appropriate legislative framework.

He noted that the absence of a dedicated legal framework for online media publishers and editors had created challenges relating to professionalism, credibility, accountability and the protection of media practitioners operating in the digital environment.

The GOMEP-NG president therefore appealed to the leadership and members of the National Assembly to give the proposal serious consideration and support, stressing that effective legislation would help strengthen the country's digital media ecosystem.

He further expressed the guild's willingness to work with lawmakers, government agencies, media stakeholders and other relevant bodies in developing legislation that would promote professionalism while safeguarding responsible journalism and freedom of expression.

GOMEP-NG maintained that the proposed Act, if enacted, would represent an important step towards strengthening Nigeria's online media industry and ensuring that digital journalism continues to contribute meaningfully to national development.