The Nigeria Union of Journalists has strongly criticised the National Broadcasting Commission over its recent directive warning broadcasters against airing personal opinions as facts, describing the move as an attempt to restrict press freedom.
The controversy follows an NBC advisory noting an increase in violations of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code across news, political, and current affairs programmes.
The commission had warned that presenters who express personal views as facts or engage in hostile conduct toward guests on air would face sanctions.
However, in a statement issued on Monday and signed by its national secretary, Achike Chude, the NUJ rejected the directive, saying it amounts to interference in editorial independence.
The union said it was deeply concerned by what it described as the NBC’s growing regulatory overreach.
“We view this directive with grave concern and utter disappointment,” the NUJ said.
“It represents a veiled attempt to gag the media and institutionalise censorship in the country.”
According to the union, journalism—particularly in political analysis and current affairs—requires open debate and critical engagement, warning that restricting presenters’ ability to interpret news content could weaken democratic discourse.
“Journalism requires robust engagement,” the statement said. “To strip presenters of their right to analyse and contextualise news is to reduce the Nigerian media to a mere mouthpiece.”
The NUJ further argued that the NBC’s classification of such actions as “Class B breaches,” which could attract fines or suspension, may create fear among journalists and encourage self-censorship.
“This regime of fear encourages self-censorship, where journalists are too afraid to ask tough questions,” the union stated, adding that regulatory ambiguity could be used to silence critical voices.
The union also cited constitutional protections for freedom of expression, referencing Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the right to hold opinions and share information without interference.
“The NBC Code cannot override the Constitution,” the statement added.
“Regulatory agencies must not be weaponised against the media.”
Chude urged broadcasters to remain committed to professional standards but resist what he called undue pressure.
“We call on journalists to remain fearless and professional,” he said.
“The media is the watchdog of society, not the lapdog of any institution or political interest. Any attempt to silence it is an attack on democracy.”
