In Nigeria’s busy media landscape, journalists receive hundreds of press releases every week.
Yet, most of them get deleted without even being opened.
Why?
Because they fail the basic formatting test.
If you want your story to be taken seriously by Nigerian journalists, NGOs, PR agencies, and media houses, you need to master how to format a press release the right way.
This guide will walk you through the best press release format Nigerian journalists prefer — and help ensure your message actually gets read.
Why Format Matters in Nigerian Media
Many Nigerian journalists, especially in top publications like Punch, The Guardian, Channels TV, and Daily Trust, work under intense deadlines.
If your press release looks sloppy, disorganized, or hard to read, it’s going straight to the trash.
A clean, structured format saves journalists time, signals professionalism, and increases the chances that your story will be covered.
Essential Structure of a Nigerian Press Release
Let’s break down the winning press release format Nigerian journalists and editors look for.
1️⃣ Headline
Your headline should be short, punchy, and relevant.
It must summarize the key news angle in under 15 words.
Example: “Lagos Startup Launches App to Support 10,000 Nigerian SMEs”
Notice how this headline is clear, specific, and has a local focus.
2️⃣ Subheadline (Optional)
If your headline needs extra support, add a subheadline.
This is a one-line sentence that provides more context or highlights a unique angle.
Example: “The platform connects small businesses to affordable loans and expert coaching.”
3️⃣ Dateline
Include location and date at the start of your opening paragraph.
Example: “LAGOS, NIGERIA – May 2025”
This grounds your story in local relevance, which Nigerian journalists care about.
4️⃣ Lead Paragraph (The 5Ws)
The first paragraph should answer:
- Who
- What
- When
- Where
- Why
Example: “XYZ Technologies announced today that it has launched a new mobile app designed to support small business owners across Nigeria by providing access to loans, resources, and coaching.”
Avoid fluff.
Get straight to the point.
5️⃣ Body Paragraphs
Here’s where you expand on the story:
- Add quotes from your CEO, founder, or project lead.
- Provide data or statistics to back up claims.
- Explain how the project or news impacts Nigerians.
Keep each paragraph short (2–4 sentences).
Use bullet points if listing key features or benefits.
6️⃣ Boilerplate
At the end, include a short “About Us” section.
Example: “About XYZ Technologies: Founded in 2018, XYZ Technologies is a Lagos-based fintech company committed to empowering Nigerian SMEs through innovative digital solutions.”
This helps journalists understand who you are.
7️⃣ Media Contact Information
Always provide:
- Contact name
- Phone number
Make it easy for journalists to follow up.
SEO Tips for Nigerian Press Releases
To make sure your press release is search engine optimized (SEO):
Use Nigeria-specific keywords like:
- Nigerian media
- press release format Nigeria
- how to write press releases in Nigeria
- local journalist press tips
Include geo-targeting mentions like Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, West Africa.
Add industry keywords (e.g., fintech, entertainment, health, NGOs) depending on your sector.
Optimize for Google Discover by using clear, direct headlines.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overly long paragraphs (no one wants to read a wall of text).
Generic, international templates (Nigerian journalists want local relevance).
Missing contact details (this frustrates journalists).
Weak subject lines when emailing (use the headline as your email subject).
Final Thoughts
Formatting your press release properly can be the difference between getting media coverage and being ignored.
By following a clear, structured format — and optimizing for both journalists and search engines — you increase the chances that your story will not only get read, but also published.
In Nigeria’s competitive media world, a well-formatted press release is your secret weapon.
If you want help distributing your next press release to top Nigerian journalists and media houses, platforms like Pressdia can streamline the process for you.
