SERAP urges Tinubu to revoke NBC directive on broadcasters

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to order the withdrawal of a directive issued by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), describing it as illegal and a threat to press freedom.

In a statement, SERAP urged the President to direct the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, and NBC to withdraw the “Formal Notification” issued on April 17, 2026. The notification warned broadcasters and presenters against alleged violations of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, including the expression of personal opinions, intimidation of guests and failure to maintain neutrality.

The organization argued that the directive imposes preventive censorship on broadcasters and journalists, limiting their ability to fulfill their constitutional duties and exercise fundamental human rights.

In a letter dated April 18, 2026 and signed by its deputy editor, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP described NBC’s action as “a dangerous attempt to suppress legitimate journalistic expression.” He argued that both the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights laws guarantee the right to hold and express opinions, including comment and analysis.

SERAP also called on government to direct NBC to amend sections of the Broadcasting Code that it deems inconsistent with Nigeria’s constitutional provisions and international obligations. He specifically criticized Section 1.10.3 of the Code, which prohibits presenters from expressing opinions, describing it as a form of preemptive restriction that undermines democratic discourse.

According to the group, NBC’s use of vague provisions to classify a wide range of broadcaster conduct as “Class B violations” punishable by fines is unconstitutional. It argued that such measures fail to meet the legal standards of necessity, legality and proportionality required in a democratic society.

The organization also expressed concern that the directive could have a chilling effect on the media, particularly ahead of the 2027 general elections. It warned that the restrictions could limit public access to different points of view, weaken the control of political actors and undermine the credibility of the electoral process.

While recognizing the need to prevent the misuse of broadcast platforms, SERAP underlined that any regulatory measure must be legitimate, precise and proportionate, without violating freedom of expression or editorial independence.

The group gave the federal government 48 hours to implement its recommendations, warning it would take legal action in the public interest if its demands were not met.

SERAP concluded that NBC’s directive, as currently worded, risks reinforcing self-censorship and undermining the media’s role as a watchdog in a democratic society.