The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to order the فوری withdrawal of a directive issued by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), describing it as unlawful and a threat to press freedom.
In a statement, SERAP urged the President to direct the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, and the NBC to withdraw the “Formal Notice” released on April 17, 2026. The notice warned broadcast stations and presenters against alleged breaches of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, including expressing personal opinions, intimidating guests, and failing to maintain neutrality.
The organisation argued that the directive imposes prior censorship on broadcasters and journalists, restricting their ability to perform their constitutional duties and exercise fundamental human rights.
In a letter dated April 18, 2026, and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP described the NBC’s action as “a dangerous attempt to suppress legitimate journalistic expression.” It maintained that both the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights laws guarantee the right to hold and express opinions, including commentary and analysis.
SERAP further called on the government to instruct the NBC to amend sections of the Broadcasting Code it considers inconsistent with constitutional provisions and Nigeria’s international obligations. It specifically faulted Section 1.10.3 of the Code, which prohibits presenters from expressing opinions, describing it as a form of prior restraint that undermines democratic discourse.
According to the group, the NBC’s reliance on vague provisions to classify a wide range of broadcaster conduct as “Class B breaches” punishable by sanctions is unconstitutional. It argued that such measures fail to meet the legal standards of necessity, legality, and proportionality required in a democratic society.
The organisation also raised concerns that the directive could have a chilling effect on the media, particularly ahead of the 2027 general elections. It warned that the restrictions could limit public access to diverse viewpoints, weaken scrutiny of political actors, and undermine the credibility of the electoral process.
While acknowledging the need to prevent misuse of broadcast platforms, SERAP stressed that any regulatory measures must be lawful, precise, and proportionate, without infringing on freedom of expression or editorial independence.
The group gave the Federal Government 48 hours to act on its recommendations, warning that it would pursue legal action in the public interest if its demands are not met.
SERAP concluded that the NBC’s directive, as currently framed, risks entrenching self-censorship and undermining the media’s role as a watchdog in a democratic society.
