The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on Bola Tinubu to order the immediate 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 instruct the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, and the NBC to rescind the “Formal Notice” issued on April 17, 2026, which warned broadcasters against alleged breaches of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code and threatened sanctions.
The organisation argued that the directive imposes vague and unjustifiable restrictions on broadcast stations and presenters, including limitations on the expression of personal opinions, alleged intimidation of guests, and requirements to maintain neutrality.
In a letter dated April 18, 2026, signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP described the notice as “a dangerous attempt to impose prior censorship on the media and suppress legitimate journalistic expression.”
The group further urged the Federal Government to direct the NBC to refrain from imposing prior censorship and to allow journalists and broadcasters to freely exercise their constitutional responsibilities and fundamental rights.
SERAP also called for urgent amendments to sections of the Broadcasting Code relied upon by the NBC, insisting that they must be aligned with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Nigeria’s international human rights obligations.
The NBC had justified its directive by citing a rise in violations of the 6th Edition of the Broadcasting Code in news, current affairs, and political programming, warning that it would enforce compliance and sanction “Class B” breaches.
However, SERAP maintained that the provisions cited by the NBC are vague, overly broad, and susceptible to arbitrary interpretation. It argued that restrictions on broadcasters must meet the legal standards of necessity, proportionality, and legitimacy in a democratic society.
The organisation emphasised that both the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights frameworks guarantee the right to freedom of expression, including the right to hold and impart opinions, commentary, and analysis.
According to SERAP, prohibiting presenters from expressing personal opinions amounts to an impermissible form of prior restraint and undermines the core function of journalism in democratic discourse.
The group warned that the NBC’s enforcement approach could create a chilling effect on the media, discourage critical reporting, and weaken the role of journalists as public watchdogs, particularly ahead of the 2027 general elections.
SERAP gave the Federal Government a 48-hour ultimatum to act on its recommendations, warning that it would pursue legal action in the public interest if its demands are not met.
