SDNON’s 3rd Annual Summit spotlights cyber law, 2026 tax reforms, and the evolving responsibilities of Nigeria’s digital media practitioners

The Society of Digital Newspaper Owners of Nigeria (SDNON) successfully hosted its 3rd Annual Digital Media Summit on November 13, 2025, at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Conference Centre, Alausa.

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The event brought together journalists, editors, publishers, media executives, human rights advocates, and technology experts to explore the intersection of media, law, policy, and digital governance.

Themed “Policy Shifts in Cyber Law and Taxation: What They Mean for the Media and Nigeria’s Economy,” the summit was hosted by Philips Renar and opened with a speech from SDNON Vice President Shaba Gbenga, who highlighted the urgent need for media practitioners to adapt to evolving regulatory frameworks ahead of Nigeria’s 2026 policy reforms and the 2027 election cycle.

A distinguished guest speaker, **Bill Killorn**, Executive Director of Journalists for Human Rights (JHR), emphasized the importance of responsible journalism in safeguarding democracy amid rising regulatory pressures. In recognition of his contributions to global media development, Killorn received an Award of Excellence presented by SDNON leadership.

Two keynote sessions formed the summit’s core discussions:

Q.A. Afolabi, Esq., a digital policy expert, examined shifts in cyber law, focusing on press freedom, digital content regulation, and accountability frameworks.
Christopher Dike (ACTI) provided insights on Nigeria’s upcoming tax reforms, explaining their potential impact on media organisations and the digital economy.

The first panel, moderated by Olufisola Ige-Lahanmi, focused on the Cybercrime Act and its implications for journalism and free expression. Panellists included:

Kehinde Adegboyega, human rights activist, who highlighted misapplications of the law threatening freedom of expression.
Jumoke Falayi-Johnson, NAWOJ President, who addressed technology-based gender violence against female journalists, citing that 73% of women in the industry face online attacks.
Onoride “Onos” Akusu, PR expert, who urged media practitioners to educate clients on data protection and brand management.

The second panel, moderated by Seunmanuel Faleye, delved into Nigeria’s 2026 tax policy.

Panellists Christopher Dike and Allison Olusegun Chucks clarified compliance requirements, exemptions, and economic implications for digital publishers, content creators, and small business owners.

Attendees, including students from the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), actively engaged with the discussions.

SDNON President Adeniyi Ifetayo addressed the strategic direction of the association and the role of digital publishers in shaping national discourse, while former SDNON President Otunba Femi Davies highlighted the need for preparation ahead of the new tax policy.

The summit saw strong participation from professional bodies such as the Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ), Nigeria Association of Social and Resourceful Editors (NASRE), and the League of Online Publishers and Editors (LOPE).