The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately withdraw a recent directive issued by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), describing it as unlawful and a serious threat to press freedom.
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 without delay.
“The NBC’s notice represents a dangerous attempt to impose prior censorship on the media and suppress legitimate journalistic expression,” SERAP said.
The group also asked the government to “abstain from imposing prior censorship on broadcast stations and Nigerian journalists, including presenters, and allow them to freely carry out their constitutional responsibilities.”
The call follows a formal notice issued by the NBC on April 17, 2026, citing a rise in breaches of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code. The commission warned stations against actions such as expressing “personal opinions,” allegedly intimidating guests, or failing to maintain neutrality.
SERAP argued that these provisions are vague and unconstitutional, stressing that “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.”
“Journalistic opinion is protected expression,” the group added.
The organisation also criticised Section 1.10.3 of the Broadcasting Code, stating that it “amounts to prior restraint that impermissibly excludes commentary, analysis, and value judgments—the core of journalism and democratic discourse.”
SERAP warned that the NBC’s reliance on broad and unclear provisions could lead to arbitrary enforcement and stifle critical reporting, particularly in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections.
“The threat of sanctions for broadly defined conduct creates a chilling effect on journalists and broadcasters, thereby undermining constitutional guarantees,” the group said.
It further warned of possible legal action if the directive is not withdrawn. “We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 48 hours. If we have not heard from your government and the NBC by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel compliance.”
SERAP also urged the NBC to amend relevant sections of the Broadcasting Code to ensure alignment with constitutional and international human rights standards.
