Peace Journalism Approaches and Their Impact on Conflict Transformation in Nigerian Fragile Regions

Background: The prevalence of conflict in Nigeria's fragile regions, such as the Niger-Delta and the North-East, has underscored the need for innovative approaches to promoting peace and stability. The media play significant role in shaping public discourse and influencing conflict dynamics. However, traditional war journalism approaches often exacerbate tensions, prioritising sensationalism over nuanced reporting. In contrast, peace journalism (PJ) offers a constructive alternative, focusing on the root causes of conflict, promoting non-violent responses, and highlighting peace initiatives. Meanwhile, the discourse on peace journalism (PJ) has largely been normative, with limited empirical evidence on its impact on conflict transformation (CT). Objective: This study examined the functional relationship between PJ framing and measurable indicators of CT in Nigerian fragile regions. Method: A systematic qualitative methodology, anchored in Galtung’s Peace Journalism Theory and Lederach’s Conflict Transformation Framework, was used to correlate media output characteristics with objective peace metrics. Result: Findings show a critical, quantifiable correlation between PJ and CT, with relational, ethno-religious conflicts benefiting from humanizing narratives, and structural, resource-driven conflicts requiring solution-focused reporting. Conclusion: Sustained PJ adoption is hampered by professional, ethical, and institutional barriers, which incentivize conventional “war journalism”. Unique Contribution: This study provides empirical evidence on the impact of PJ on CT, moving beyond normative prescription. Key Recommendation: Media organisations, regulators, and peace-building NGOs should optimize media output by investing in PJ approaches, positioning it as an essential component of Nigeria’s long-term security and developmental architecture.