By The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has issued a stern warning to broadcast stations across Nigeria over persistent violations of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, particularly in news, current affairs, and political programming.
In a press release dated April 17, 2026, the Commission expressed concern over what it described as a sustained increase in breaches of the 6th Edition of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, noting that several broadcast platforms are straying from their core responsibility of delivering accurate, balanced, and professional information to the public.
“The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has identified a sustained increase in breaches of the 6th Edition of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code across News, Current Affairs, and Political Programmes.
“As we approach the 2027 General Elections, the Commission hereby notifies all broadcasters and stakeholders that it will enforce strict and uncompromised compliance with every provision of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code,” the statement read.
The NBC stressed that the enforcement drive would focus on key principles such as fairness, balance, accuracy, and the avoidance of hate speech, incitement, and disrespect towards constitutional institutions.
The Commission noted that there is a growing crisis in anchor and presenter professionalism as broadcasters are violating ethical National Broadcasting Code standards. It cited Section 1.10.3, which states: The Broadcaster shall ensure that its Presenter does not express his or her opinion in the programme, as a matter of professional standard.
It also referenced Section 3.3.1(b): All sides to any issue of public interest are equitably presented for fairness and balance, and Section 3.4.1(b): All sides to an issue are equitably presented, preferably in the same broadcast.
In addition to newsroom misconduct, the NBC accused political actors of exploiting broadcast platforms to spread divisive and potentially harmful content. It warned that such misuse undermines public order and violates multiple provisions of the Broadcasting Code.
The Commission cited several provisions, including Section 3.1.1: No broadcast shall encourage or incite to crime and lead to public disorder or hate be repugnant to any person or organization alive or dead or generally be disrespectful to human dignity.
It further quoted Section 3.11.1(a): language or scene likely to encourage or incite to crime, or lead to disorder is not broadcast, and Section 5.4.1(f): the broadcaster shall not transmit divisive materials or compromise the indivisibility and indissolubility of Nigeria as a sovereign state
In a direct caution to media practitioners, the NBC listed several actions that could attract sanctions, including presenting personal opinions as facts, intimidating or bullying guests, and denying fair hearing to opposing views.
“Henceforth, any anchor or presenter found to have expressed personal opinion as fact, bullied or intimidated a guest, or denied fair hearing to opposing views shall be deemed to have committed a Class B breach,” the Commission warned.
The Commission further warned that any breach of the code would attract sanctions, stressing that “broadcast platforms must not be used for hate speech, personal attacks, or content inciting disorder along political lines.”
The NBC concluded by stating that compliance with the Code is “mandatory, not discretionary,” warning that inflammatory, divisive, or unsubstantiated broadcasts will attract regulatory sanctions, as the country enters a critical electoral period.
