The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has called on President Bola Tinubu to order the immediate withdrawal of a directive issued by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), describing it as unlawful and harmful to media independence.
In a letter dated April 18, 2026, signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation urged the President to direct the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, and the NBC to rescind the notice.
SERAP criticised the directive, saying it poses a serious risk to journalistic freedom. “The NBC’s notice represents a dangerous attempt to impose prior censorship on the media and suppress legitimate journalistic expression,” the group stated.
The organisation also called on the government to refrain from actions that could limit the work of journalists and broadcasters.
“Authorities should abstain from imposing prior censorship on broadcast stations and allow journalists and presenters to carry out their constitutional responsibilities without interference,” SERAP said.
The demand follows a notice issued by the NBC on April 17, 2026, in which the regulator cited increasing violations of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code. The commission warned stations against practices such as expressing personal opinions, intimidating guests, and failing to maintain neutrality.
Reacting, SERAP argued that parts of the directive are vague and inconsistent with constitutional protections.
“The Nigerian Constitution and international human rights law protect the right to hold opinions and the freedom to express ideas of all kinds,” it noted, adding, “Journalistic opinion is protected expression.”
The group further faulted provisions of the Broadcasting Code, particularly those it said restrict commentary and analysis.
“This amounts to prior restraint that excludes commentary, analysis, and value judgments, which are central to journalism and democratic discourse,” SERAP stated.
According to the organisation, the broad wording of the NBC directive could lead to arbitrary enforcement and discourage critical reporting, especially as the country approaches future elections.
“The threat of sanctions for broadly defined conduct creates a chilling effect on journalists and broadcasters, undermining constitutional guarantees,” it said.
SERAP warned that failure to reverse the directive could lead to legal action. “We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 48 hours. Otherwise, we will take appropriate legal steps to compel compliance,” the letter added.
The organisation also urged the NBC to review and amend sections of the Broadcasting Code to ensure alignment with constitutional and international human rights standards.
