Newspapers in Nigeria - a short review

Below is a review of the biggest Newspapers in Nigeria in terms of circulation. They appear in print and online. Most Nigerians rely on these papers to report and provide an honest analysis of the political and economic events in the country.

Nigeria is a country with complex political issues and challenging economic problems so the media plays the most vital role in informing the masses. In my opinion the newspapers in Nigeria are a better source of news on current affairs than TV programmes.

But what are the main differences between the papers. Depending on your interests and whom you perceive yourself to be you may gravitate to one or the other. I am going to attempt to analyse what I think is the subtle differences and editorial biases but please make your own mind up.

1. The Punch is one of the oldest newspapers and is big on politics. Having survived under successive military regimes this paper is not shy to report on corruption and the main ills affecting the country it has a very strong editorial and would typically be read by politicians and business men. I'll say a mostly male audience of ages 45 - 60.
2. The Nigerian Tribune was founded by Chief Obafemi Awolowo in 1949, which makes it the oldest surviving privately owned newspaper. Like the The Punch, The Nigerian Tribune is also big in national political and economic issues but has a slight bias towards the south west or Yoruba indigenous people.
3. The Vanguard is one of the most balanced and higher quality newspapers. Its article are well written and topics have an equal coverage of lifestyle, technology, property and entertainment. This paper appeals to a younger crowd. And is not as full of big words as the first two:-). Honestly I read the London and New York times without having to consult the dictionary but I read The Punch and it's like wtf does that mean.lol. The Vanguard appeals to an age range of 34 - 60 male and female.
4. The Guardian is similar to the Vanguard in its approach to news coverage but with a bigger coverage of world news and sports. I also find its supplements like Compulife and Life magazine to be of high quality.

Other newspapers in Nigerian include The Daily Sun the most popular tabloid, This day, a relatively new but innovative publication, which has been the first to break some very important news stories in recent times,Business Day, South African owned but my favourite for reading business and financial markets news and analysis.

return to Nigeria culture
return home from newspapers in Nigeria

New! Comments