The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Bola Tinubu to order the immediate withdrawal of a recent directive issued by the National Broadcasting Commission, describing it as unlawful and a threat to press freedom.
SERAP’s demand follows a recent NBC notice issued on April 17, 2026, which warned broadcasters of sanctions for alleged breaches of the Broadcasting Code, including expressions of personal opinions by presenters, alleged bullying of guests, and failure to maintain neutrality.
In a letter dated April 18, 2026, signed by Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP deputy director, the organisation said the directive amounts to an attempt to impose prior censorship on the media.
“The NBC’s notice represents a dangerous attempt to impose prior censorship on the media and suppress legitimate journalistic expression,” SERAP stated.
The group urged the President to instruct the NBC to immediately withdraw the directive and refrain from enforcing provisions it considers unconstitutional, while also calling for urgent amendments to sections of the Broadcasting Code.
SERAP further argued that the provisions cited by the NBC were overly broad and vague, warning that they could undermine press freedom ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“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,” the letter read.
“Journalism necessarily includes analysis and commentary. Value judgments are not susceptible to proof and enjoy heightened protection.”
The organisation specifically criticised Section 1.10.3 of the Broadcasting Code, which it said prohibits presenters from expressing opinions, describing it as a form of prior restraint incompatible with democratic standards.
SERAP added that restrictions on expression must meet the tests of legality, necessity, and proportionality, which it claimed the NBC directive failed to satisfy.
“Any limitation on the rights must be reasonably justifiable in a democratic society. Vague and unsubstantiated claims do not meet this threshold,” it said.
The rights group also warned that sanctions based on broadly defined conduct could create a chilling effect on journalists and broadcasters, ultimately weakening media independence.
It cautioned that ahead of the 2027 elections, such measures could limit public access to diverse political views and undermine democratic discourse.
SERAP gave the Federal Government 48 hours to act on its request, adding that failure to comply would result in legal action.
“If we have not heard from your government and the NBC by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel compliance,” the organisation warned.
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