ABSTRACT

This study was intended to critically study the hazards of investigative journalism in Nigeria. This study was guided by the following objectives; to examine the difficulties and problems facing journalists in Nigeria, to recommend ways of reducing hazards of journalism in Nigeria.

The study employed the descriptive and explanatory design; questionnaires in addition to library research were applied in order to collect data. Primary and secondary data sources were used and data was analyzed using the correlation statistical tool at 5% level of significance which was presented in frequency tables and percentage. The respondents under the study were 32 employees of the National union of journalist, Abuja branch. The study majorly focuses on the hazards of investigative journalism in Nigeria.

The study findings revealed that the hazards associated with journalism can be eradicated in Nigeria; based on the findings from the study, efforts should be made by the Nigerian government and stakeholders in promoting investigative journalism in Nigeria by reducing the hazards associated with it.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION 
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Investigative journalism is the reporting of research findings by journalism is the reporting research findings by a journalist. It could be regarded as the event of the day to day activities with the uses words, sounds or picture to satisfy human curiosity with a word that is always interested in knowing what is new.
The introduction of investigative journalism and its media are electronic and print which have reduced a lot of ignorance from the society because form the observation both print and electronic media journalist disseminate to the public.
The journalists are those that practice journalism. They are they who will gather the news from the public and send it back the public also and it also exposes that part of a news story that is not  reported or ignored by the ordinary reporter.
The journalist are those that practice investigative journalism they are the one who will gather the news from the public and send it back to the public also.
Mike Jampson, director of UK journalism ethics charity media wise, called for The Daily Telegraph to reveal whether it paid for the computer disc leaked to it containing information about British MP5 expenses claims. He was addressing a media professionals work stream on Investigative journalism- a two edged sword on 25 August during a conference on ‘trust and integrity in the global economy’ held in Caux, Switzerland. Sometime investigative journalism that reveals wrong doings may involve breaking the law, he said and the telegraph should be ready to defend itself in court if the material had been obtained by unlawful means. 
The paper had properly published a series of scoops on the scandal of MPs systematic abuse of their expenses claims. It was in the public interest and no  jury would convict the paper, he believed.
Mps who were supposed to get an example were behaving irresponsibly and lawfully.” The scoops had changed the political agenda and thinking, which  will never be the same again, Jempson said, none the less journalists too have to accept the consequences of their actions.
Therefore this research is to let people and the general public to know the level at which the hazard of journals or problem of journalism as been existing in countries especially in Nigeria.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

This is to make the entire people in Nigeria to know what journalists are going through as a result of gathering facts, news in the working field.

The difficulties and problems they are facing and also to give recommendation on how to solve those problems. As much as it affects the most entire publics and journalists.

RESEARCH QUESTIONS

In order to arrive at a certain and logical conclusion and provide a concrete and genuine answer to a certain research question.
This work is to provide answer to the following fundamental research question.

How can we eradicate Hazard in journalism?

To what extence do you agree that Hazard affects Journalism practice in Nigeria?

To what extent do you agree that Journalist can avoid hazard in Journalism?

To what extence do you agree that Hazard in journalism affects Journalist in Nigeria

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The significance of this project work lies on the problem journalist are passing through on their field. The hazard and how to tackle them especially this problems. In doing this, it will enable the people to know how the problem can be solved.

THE SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The scope of the study relate to the problem which journalist are passing through as a result of practicing journalism as a profession. The scope can also be called the hazard. The difficulty, the researcher also examine the hazards and find accurate solution to the problems so as to encourage the upcoming journalist who are in practicing it not to be panicking when they face problems at place of work.

OPERATIONAL DEFINITION OF TERMS

INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM: Is defined as a day to day operation of gathering and transmitting of news which means journalism is primarily concern with giving out of information to the publics on regular basis. Therefore journalism is sharing of communication and ideas.

It also the ability to consult researcher and satisfy the human faculty through entertainment. It is also about getting people information on what is new, what is interesting and passing such information to the publics.
JOURNALIST: This is the person that practice journalism that is a journalist is a person that is involve in gathering and dissemination of information through an appropriate medium.
Journalist is also referred to as a person that is involve in gathering, editing and transmitting of information of current event to the public. This person usually works for the media.
This definition leave out many personnel involve in the mass communication and media organization.

REFERENCE

Arts and Civilization. Odunewu, A. (2000). Ethics and Professionalism. In L. Arogundade & B. Eitokpah (Eds.),Media in a Civil Democracy:Thoughts & Perspectives(pp.1-21). Lagos:International Press Centre and Friedrich Ebert Stiftung.