By The latest directives from the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) have not been well received by well-meaning Nigerians and interest groups, many of whom have called for the immediate withdrawal of the notice.
Recall that AfrikTimes reported that the Commission expressed concern over what it described as a sustained increase in breaches of the 6th Edition of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code as the 2027 general elections approach. In the press release, the Commission further noted that several broadcast platforms are straying from their core responsibility of delivering accurate, balanced, and professional information to the public.
As a result, the Commission warned that any anchor or presenter found to have expressed personal opinion in a programme or as fact, bullied or intimidated a guest, or denied fair hearing to opposing views shall be deemed to have committed a Class B breach.
However, Nigerians have publicly criticised the notice, describing it as an infringement on press freedom and a move to stifle the voice of the media. The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) also reacted, labelling the directive unlawful and an attempt to suppress media expression. The group has called on the President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to instruct the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, and the NBC to withdraw the notice with immediate effect.
SERAP argued that the move is an attempt to impose prior censorship on broadcast stations and restrain journalists from exercising their constitutional responsibilities and fundamental human rights.
“The Nigerian Constitution and international human rights law protect both the absolute right to hold opinions and the qualified right to express ideas of all kinds. Journalistic opinion is protected expression,” SERAP added.
SERAP also noted that the NBC must amend the sections relied upon in its directives and ensure that the revised provisions comply fully with the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended) and the country’s international human rights obligations.
The organisation further threatened legal action against the government and the NBC if no revisions are made within forty-eight hours of receipt or publication of the request.
“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 48 hours of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from your government and the NBC by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel compliance with our request in the public interest,” it warned.
Similarly, Amnesty International condemned the NBC’s directives on its official media platforms, describing them as “authoritarian and unconstitutional.” The organisation stressed that the Commission is not empowered to dictate how journalists carry out their duties.
“The bizarre notice issued by NBC is an attempt to pressure journalists and media organizations into self-censorship,” it stated.
The body noted that the work of journalists enables citizens to actively engage with information, as supported by the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. It warned that Nigerian authorities must desist from using the NBC as a tool to silence a diverse media space that provides critical information to the public.
“Nigeria’s vibrant broadcast media whose editorial content is independent enable people to freely seek, debate, receive and impart information and ideas as envisaged by the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
“The Nigerian authorities must stop using the NBC in an unrelenting quest to silence journalists and the media organisations that are crucial to ensuring independent and diverse media space that fulfil people’s right to information,” it added.
Among other well-meaning Nigerians, Atiku Abubakar has also faulted the latest NBC directives through his media pages. On his X handle, he noted that repeated attempts to silence the Nigerian media, particularly during election periods, are alarming and troubling.
He argued that the NBC’s heavy-handed directives are an attempt to silence opposing voices instead of upholding ethical journalism.
“The Code of Conduct advisory issued by the National Broadcasting Commission is yet another troubling attempt to muzzle the media and shrink the space for free expression in Nigeria.
“Let it be clear: ethical standards are not seasonal tools to be weaponised during campaigns, they are constant obligations,” he added.
He further alleged that the government appears more interested in welcoming supportive narratives than permitting a free, fair, and transparent electoral process.
Also, Nigerians have voiced their views on the latest directives, with many arguing that the move is an attempt to silence democratic expression and limit the scope of public discourse, particularly as the country prepares for elections. Others have urged the Commission not only to issue directives but also to ensure the protection of journalists who face victimisation. They are of the belief that safeguarding press freedom is essential to maintaining a participatory democratic process.
