International Journal of Sub-Saharan African Research (IJSSAR)

Background: Nigerian newspapers play a key role in social progress by tackling issues through an intersectionalily and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This approach can empower marginalised groups and shape public opinion for a more equitable future. However, research is lacking on how Nigerian newspapers use intersectionality when discussing SDGs.
Objectives: This study aims to investigate the relationship between SDGs specifics and the number of articles in The Punch, The Guardian, and Leadership; examine gender mentions in SDG articles and their geographic focus; assess gender portrayal in SDGs; and explore the link between article numbers and gender equality emphasis.
Method: The study employed content analysis, analysing articles about SDGs in three select Nigerian newspapers from 2015 to 2023. It used SPSS for the cross-tabulation analyses and Pearson Chi-Square to test the hypotheses.
Result: The findings indicate that the newspapers prioritise certain SDGs over others in their coverage. Also, the portrayal of SDGs in the newspapers is influenced by regional variations and gender dynamics, with a deliberate association between the choice of SDGs and gender mentions in media coverage.
Conclusion: The newspapers exhibit selectivity in their coverage of SDGs, with intentional editorial stances shaping the narrative. There are also distinct regional patterns in their coverage, and editorial choices significantly impact the emphasis on gender equality.
Unique contribution: This study provides empirical evidence of how Nigerian newspapers prioritise and SDGs. It highlights deliberate editorial choices that shape the narrative, revealing regional and gender-specific patterns in media coverage. This helps in understanding media’s influences on perceptions and actions related to sustainable development.
Key recommendation: Newspapers like The Punch, The Guardian and Leadership should use intersectional approaches in SDG reporting; highlight gender and geographic dynamics in coverage; and promote media literacy.