The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to direct the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Malagi, alongside the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), to immediately withdraw what it described as an “unlawful” notice issued to broadcast stations across Nigeria.
The notice, released by the NBC, threatens sanctions against broadcasters and presenters over issues such as the expression of personal opinions, alleged intimidation of guests, and failure to maintain neutrality in programmes.
SERAP argues that these provisions are vague and unjustified, raising serious concerns about press freedom.
In its response, SERAP urged the Federal Government to ensure that the NBC refrains from imposing any form of prior censorship on journalists and media organisations, insisting that broadcasters must be allowed to perform their constitutional duties without interference.
The organisation further called for urgent amendments to sections of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code cited in the notice, noting that such provisions must be aligned with the 1999 Constitution and Nigeria’s international human rights obligations.
The NBC had issued the directive on April 17, 2026, citing a rise in breaches of the 6th Edition of the Broadcasting Code in news and political programming, and warning of stricter enforcement measures, including sanctions for Class B offences.
However, in a letter dated April 18, 2026 and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP described the move as a “dangerous attempt” to suppress legitimate journalistic expression and impose undue restrictions on the media.
SERAP maintained that the notice could undermine democratic rights, particularly as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, by limiting access to diverse opinions and restricting open political discourse essential in a democracy.
The group emphasised that both the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights laws protect not only factual reporting but also opinions, commentary, and analysis, which form the core of journalism and democratic engagement.
It also criticised Section 1.10.3 of the Broadcasting Code, which prohibits presenters from expressing opinions, describing it as a form of prior restraint that fails the legal standards of necessity, legality, and proportionality required in a democratic society.
SERAP warned that vague provisions and threats of sanctions could create a chilling effect on journalists, encourage self-censorship and weaken the media’s role as a watchdog, ultimately affecting transparency, accountability and the credibility of future elections in Nigeria.
Sodiq Yusuf is a trained media practitioner and journalist with considerable years of experience in print, broadcast, and digital journalism. His interests cover a wide range of causes in politics, governance, sports, community development, and good governance.
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