Premium Times
A Nigerian online newspaper based in Abuja, known particularly for investigative journalism and public-interest reporting.
Last updated August 22, 2026
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Overview
Premium Times is a Nigerian online newspaper headquartered in Abuja, the country's capital. Launched in 2011, it operates as a digital news publication rather than as a conventional print-first newspaper. Its reporting covers Nigerian public affairs and other news areas, with investigative journalism forming a central part of its identity and public profile. The publication has become associated with reporting that examines corruption, public accountability, human-rights issues, governance, and other matters of national interest. Its work has also connected it to international collaborative journalism. In 2017, Premium Times participated in the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists' investigation of the Panama Papers, a global project examining offshore companies, tax havens, and financial arrangements involving prominent individuals and institutions. The project received the Pulitzer Prize for Explanatory Reporting, recognizing the collective work of the participating organizations. Premium Times has additionally received recognition for investigations into alleged extrajudicial killings in Nigeria's South-East, including reporting on the coordination of the Onitsha Massacre involving pro-Biafra supporters. That work received a Global Shining Light Award in 2017. The publication was also nominated for Website/Blog of the Year at the Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Award in 2013, indicating early recognition of its digital-news format. In 2023, the Lagos State Government recognized the organization for gender-sensitive reportage. As an online newspaper, Premium Times' principal offering is continuously updated editorial content delivered through its website. The available reference material does not establish a broader corporate group, parent company, ownership structure, public listing, financial profile, or named executives. Its documented public identity is therefore best understood as that of an independent Nigerian digital news brand whose distinction rests on investigative reporting, accountability journalism, and participation in major domestic and international reporting projects.
History
Premium Times was launched in Nigeria in 2011 as an online newspaper headquartered in Abuja. Its digital-native structure distinguishes it from legacy newspaper organizations that developed around print circulation. From the information available, the publication's editorial identity has been built primarily through online news publishing and investigative reporting. In its early years, Premium Times received external recognition for its digital presence. In 2013, it was nominated for Website/Blog of the Year at the Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Award. The nomination reflected the growing visibility of online journalism in Nigeria and the publication's emergence as a recognized digital news outlet. Investigative journalism became a particularly important part of the newspaper's public profile. In 2017, Premium Times participated in the international consortium that investigated the Panama Papers. The project examined offshore tax havens and financial structures associated with prominent people and organizations across jurisdictions. The collaborative investigation was awarded the Pulitzer Prize, placing Premium Times among the participating outlets associated with one of the most prominent international investigative-journalism projects of that period. Also in 2017, the publication received a Global Shining Light Award for investigative work concerning alleged extrajudicial killings in Nigeria's South-East. The recognized reporting addressed the Onitsha Massacre involving pro-Biafra supporters and examined how the killings were coordinated. This work reinforced Premium Times' reputation for reporting on politically sensitive events, human rights, and accountability. The publication continued to receive recognition for editorial standards in later years. In 2023, the Lagos State governor gave Premium Times an award and commendation for gender-sensitive reportage. The recognition highlighted a distinct aspect of its coverage: attention to how news reporting represents gender and related social issues. The available reference material does not provide verified details about Premium Times' founders, corporate ownership, parent organizations, executive leadership, revenue, subscription model, or expansion beyond Nigeria. Accordingly, its documented history is centered on its 2011 launch, development as an Abuja-based online newspaper, and recognition for digital journalism, collaborative investigative work, human-rights reporting, and gender-sensitive coverage.
- 2023
Recognition for gender-sensitive reportage
[1]Premium Times receives an award and commendation from the Lagos State governor for gender-sensitive reporting.
- 2017
Participation in the Panama Papers investigation
[1]Premium Times contributes to the international consortium investigation into offshore tax havens and financial secrecy that later receives the Pulitzer Prize.
- 2017
Global Shining Light Award recognition
[1]The newspaper receives recognition for investigative reporting on alleged extrajudicial killings in Nigeria's South-East and the coordination of the Onitsha Massacre.
- 2013
Website/Blog of the Year nomination
[1]The publication is nominated for Website/Blog of the Year at the Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Award.
- 2011
Premium Times launches
[1]Premium Times begins operating as a Nigerian online newspaper based in Abuja.
Products and positioning
A Nigerian digital news publication positioned around investigative journalism, public-interest reporting, and coverage of governance and accountability issues.
Digital news publication · 2011
Premium Times online newspaper
The publication's core product is its online newspaper, delivering news and editorial reporting to readers through its website. Coverage includes Nigerian public affairs and other news fields, with investigative journalism and public-interest reporting forming especially prominent parts of the brand's documented identity.
Editorial service
Investigative journalism
Premium Times produces investigations into corruption, accountability, human rights, governance, and politically sensitive events. Its documented work includes participation in the Panama Papers investigation and reporting on alleged extrajudicial killings in Nigeria's South-East.
Recent events
- 2023
Premium Times receives recognition for gender-sensitive reportage[1]
Other
The Lagos State governor recognized and commended Premium Times for gender-sensitive reporting.
- 2017
Premium Times participates in Panama Papers investigation[1]
Other
Premium Times joined the international consortium investigation of the Panama Papers, which examined offshore tax havens and financial arrangements involving highly placed people. The collaborative project later received the Pulitzer Prize.
- 2017
Investigation of extrajudicial killings in Nigeria's South-East receives Global Shining Light Award[1]
Other
Premium Times was recognized for investigative work on alleged extrajudicial killings in Nigeria's South-East and reporting on how the Onitsha Massacre of pro-Biafra supporters was coordinated.
- 2013
Premium Times nominated for Website/Blog of the Year[1]
Other
Premium Times received a nomination in the Website/Blog of the Year category at the Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Award.
Sources3 sources
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