# Next (Nigeria)

NEXT was a newspaper in Nigeria, founded in 2009 by Dele Olojede, the first Nigerian winner of the Pulitzer Prize for International Journalism.

## History

NEXT was published by Timbuktu Media Group, based in Lagos and South Africa. Other Timbuktu Media Group publications included NEXT on Sunday, Elan (a fashion magazine), and X2. Olojede worked for Newsday where he won a Pulitzer Prize: "For his fresh, haunting look at Rwanda a decade after rape and genocidal slaughter had ravaged the Tutsi tribe."
Olojede aimed to transform Nigerian journalism by prioritizing ethical reporting and investigative journalism at NEXT. Launched as a "tweet" in December 2008, its print edition followed in January 2009. Olojede envisioned NEXT as a platform for transparency and accountability, tackling corruption and promoting democracy. The paper quickly gained a reputation for its bold investigative pieces, most notably its 2010 exposé on the incapacitation of President Umaru Yar’Adua’s, titled "Yar’Adua is brain-damaged."
Unlike many local outlets where journalists often accept 'brown envelopes' for favorable coverage—an unethical practice so entrenched that many reporters are unaware of its impropriety—NEXT steadfastly refused to participate in such corruption, further setting it apart amongst Nigerian newspapers.
NEXT reported extensively on issues like political and legislative corruption, exposing the astounding salaries of Nigerian lawmakers and scandals like the Halliburton bribe case. As noted by Onyenankeya and Salawu, investigative journalism in Nigeria often struggles against systemic challenges, including ownership interference, inadequate funding, and societal resistance to accountability. NEXT was an outlier in this regard, maintaining a rare commitment to in-depth investigations despite the significant risks and costs associated with such efforts.

## 2010 Exposé on President Umaru Yar'Adua

The most significant and controversial investigative piece was its 2010 exposé on the deteriorating health of Nigerian President Umaru Yar’Adua. The article revealed that the president was severely incapacitated, unable to recognize even his wife, and incapable of fulfilling the duties of his office. The article detailed how this information was deliberately concealed from the public through an elaborate scheme orchestrated by First Lady Turai Yar’Adua and a close-knit circle of aides.
The investigation uncovered how key government officials and aides, including the president’s chief security officer and his economic adviser, went to great lengths to maintain the illusion of a functioning presidency, even forging documents and falsely claiming interactions with the ailing leader. The piece highlighted the extent of the power vacuum in the Nigerian government, exacerbated by secrecy and disarray, and the lengths to which the First Lady Turai Yar’Adua went to position a favorable successor for the vice presidency.
The article sparked nationwide outrage and intensified calls for Vice President Goodluck Jonathan to assume the presidency as mandated by the Nigerian constitution. While celebrated for its boldness and meticulous reporting, the exposé also faced criticism, with some accusing NEXT of sensationalism. Nevertheless, the investigation is remembered as a landmark moment in Nigerian journalism, reflecting NEXT's commitment to holding power accountable and its uncompromising approach to investigative reporting.

## Closure and recognition

Despite its acclaim and awards, the paper faced intense resistance, including advertiser boycotts and distribution challenges, which strained its finances. These difficulties led to the cessation of its print edition in September 2011 and the eventual shutdown of its digital platform later that year. Olojede attributed the closure to operational missteps and the high cost of maintaining ethical journalism in Nigeria’s challenging newspaper industry.
NEXT's experience highlights broader challenges within the Nigerian media environment, where investigative journalism remains precarious. As documented by Onyenankeya and Salawu, journalists often face threats, harassment, and poor remuneration, discouraging many from pursuing investigative work. NEXT's closure underscores the difficulty of sustaining independent journalism in an environment dominated by political and economic patronage.
In 2011, Dele Olojede received the John P. McNulty Prize in recognition of his efforts to establish NEXT. The Prize is awarded in partnership with the Aspen Institute.