The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has issued a stern formal notice to broadcast stations across Nigeria, signaling a renewed commitment to stricter enforcement of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code. This directive comes in response to what the commission describes as a sustained rise in ethical and professional breaches, particularly prevalent in news, current affairs, and political programming. The NBC highlighted a troubling pattern where broadcast platforms are increasingly used in ways that undermine their fundamental responsibility to inform the public with accuracy, balance, and professionalism. The commission warned that if this trend continues unchecked, it could erode public trust in the media and heighten tensions as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.

The NBC emphasized its intent to enforce “strict and uncompromised compliance” with the 6th Edition of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, specifically pointing to rules governing fairness, accuracy, balance, hate speech, incitement, and respect for constitutional authorities. Infractions in these areas, it warned, would attract sanctions. A significant concern raised by the commission is a perceived “crisis” in the professionalism of programme anchors and presenters. The NBC noted a departure from established journalistic standards, including presenters injecting personal opinions as facts, failing to provide equitable representation to opposing views, or allowing discussions to favor particular interests, all of which violate explicit provisions requiring neutrality and fairness in public interest issues.

Furthermore, the commission criticized the misuse of broadcast platforms by political actors, accusing politicians across party lines of exploiting radio and television programmes to disseminate inflammatory, divisive, or inciting content. The NBC referenced multiple sections of the code prohibiting content that encourages crime, undermines national unity, or disrespects human dignity, expressing particular concern over the growing prevalence of hate speech and narratives that could deepen political and communal divisions. It reiterated that broadcasters bear ultimate responsibility for content transmitted on their platforms, irrespective of the source, urging media organizations to strengthen internal editorial controls, especially for programmes dealing with politics, elections, and public policy. Any anchor or presenter found to have committed a “Class B breach”—such as expressing personal opinions as fact, intimidating guests, or denying fair hearing—would face regulatory sanctions, as compliance is mandatory and not discretionary.

In response, prominent human rights organizations, including the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and Amnesty International, have strongly condemned the NBC’s directive. SERAP urged President Bola Tinubu to direct the Minister of Information and the NBC to immediately withdraw the “Formal Notice,” labeling it as unlawful and based on vague provisions. SERAP argued that the notice, which threatens sanctions for actions like expressing “personal opinions” or alleged “bullying” of guests, constitutes a dangerous attempt to impose prior censorship and suppress legitimate journalistic expression. The organization stressed that journalistic opinion is protected expression and that restrictions on broadcasters expressing opinions amount to prior restraint, undermining core journalistic functions. SERAP also warned that vague standards of professionalism could lead to arbitrary enforcement, creating a “chilling effect” on journalists ahead of the 2027 elections, thereby hindering the media’s role in promoting accountability.

Amnesty International echoed these criticisms, describing the NBC’s directive as an “outrageous and desperate attempt” to stifle press freedom in Nigeria. In a press release, the organization stated that the directive imposes “unduly restrictive and invasive controls” on media organizations and journalists, appearing designed to pressure them into self-censorship. Isa Sanusi, Executive Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, emphasized the crucial role of an independent media in a democratic society, enabling people to freely seek, debate, receive, and impart information. He called on authorities to cease what he termed an “unrelenting quest to silence journalists and media organisations” through the misuse of the NBC, asserting that such actions are “authoritarian and unconstitutional.” Both organizations urged broadcasters to continue their duties independently and without fear, emphasizing that the airwaves must remain platforms for credible information, responsible discourse, and national cohesion, rather than amplifying tension or propagating misinformation.