Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos-Nigeria and Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ)
1.0 Preamble:
The purpose of this Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is to clarify the expectations, roles, and responsibilities of the collaboration between International Press Centre (IPC) and
Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) on Advancing Women Journalists’ Professionalism in Reporting Democratic Accountability and Related Issues under the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGNII) Programme.
2.0 Background
This Memorandum of Understanding is entered into by IPC and NAWOJ in recognition of their shared commitment to enhancing the professionalism of women journalists in Nigeria. This is sequel to the one-day consultative session held on May 24, 2025, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, which was supported by the European Union under Component 4: Support to Media of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria – Phase 2 (EUSDGN II).
The overarching objective of this partnership is to professionally empower women journalists in particular, for the purpose of elevating inclusive reporting of inclusive reporting of women’s voices in Nigeria’s political landscape and advancing democratic governance issues for women-focused campaign promises.
3.0 Outcomes / Resolutions
Sequel to the deliberations at the May 24, 2025 session, the key outcomes/resolutions were as follows:
- Formalise Collaboration Frameworks: Sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between IPC and NAWOJ to guide joint advocacy, mentorship, and monitoring activities.
Mentorship & Capacity Building.
- Roll out a NAWOJ mentorship programme: To pair senior female editors and correspondents with younger journalists.
- Integrate women journalists into IPC/CEMESO’s Virtual Training Platform: This shall entail tailored modules on gender-sensitive and disability inclusive electoral reporting.
- Undertake visibility & advocacy Campaigns: Launch the “I Can, We Can” media campaign to showcase female political leaders through the lens of special reports by journalists.
- Engage Policymakers & Stakeholders: Organise media interface with elected females for media profile and visibility.
- Organise media-policy roundtables with legislators, INEC, and CSOs: To push for gender-inclusive electoral reforms (e.g., reserved seats, independent candidacy).
4.0 IPC & NAWOJ’s Obligation (Roles and Responsibilities under the MoU)
IPC and NAWOJ agree to collaborate in the following key areas:
- Organise regular forums for female media executives to address newsroom challenges.
- Launch mentorship programmes pairing senior professionals with emerging female journalists.
- Facilitate interactions between female journalists and elected female politicians.
- Promote storytelling that highlights achievements of women in politics.
- Support legislative reforms for affirmative action and women’s representation.
- Drive awareness campaigns with empowering messages such as “I Can, We Can” and encourage creation of media platforms dedicated to gender-related issues.
- Collaborate with security agencies to integrate women’s safety into media training.
- Provide leadership training and safe spaces for female politicians to engage with the media.
- Co-develop and deploy online training modules via the Virtual Training Platform.
5.0 Performance Benchmarks
To ensure accountability and measure progress, the following benchmarks shall be established:
| Benchmark Area | Indicator | Frequency |
| Training Participation | Number of female journalists trained | Quarterly |
| Media Engagement | Number of stories published on gender-related electoral issues | Monthly |
| Mentorship Impact | Number of mentees reporting career advancement | Quarterly |
| Legislative Advocacy | Number of policy dialogues held | Annually |
| Safety Measures | Number of safety trainings conducted | Bi-annually |
- Time line, duration and review
- This MoU shall become effective from the date of signing and shall run for the remaining period of the EU-SDGN II project, not exceeding July 14, 2027, unless as may be renewed. However, the implementation of activities shall be based on progress report as shall be reviewed on a quarterly basis, to assess impact and refine strategies, in line with the overarching indicators and implementation parameters under the existing funding structure of EU-SDGN II or the prevailing Monitoring and Evaluation (M &E) results template.
- In line with the overarching objectives guiding IPC under the EU-SDGN II programme, IPC may involve allied organisations like the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) and/or associated partners of the EU-SDGN II cohort as collaborators in undertaking some of the outlined activities of this MoU.
7.0 Funding and implementation guidelines
- The funding and implementation of tasks and obligations of this MoU shall derive from respective commitments of NAWOJ and IPC. Funding support shall be in consultation between the parties, as may be provided for under the programmatic provisions of the EU-SDGN II programme:
- Parties to this MoU may agree to modify or review the commitments of respective obligations, in view of emerging implementation realities. This shall be communicated between the parties and an agreeable line of action shall be taken, as applicable.
- Any dispute between the parties shall first be the subject of an attempt to reach amicable settlement. An arbitration panel may be constituted as may be applicable.
SIGNATORIES
This MoU is signed on behalf of the parties by the undersigned representatives:
For IPC
Mr. Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director, IPC
Signature:___________________________________________________________Date_________________________
For NAWOJ
Hajiya Aisha Ibrahim, National Chairperson, NAWOJ
Signature:___________________________________________________________Date_________________________
WITNESSES TO THIS MOU:
For IPC: For NAWOJ
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Name Name
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Signature and Date Signature and Date