The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has called on President Bola Tinubu to direct the immediate reversal of a recent directive issued by the National Broadcasting Commission, describing it as illegal and a danger to media freedom.
In a letter dated April 18, 2026, and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the group urged the President to mandate the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, alongside the NBC, to rescind the directive.
SERAP stated that the NBC’s action represents an alarming move toward pre-publication censorship and an attempt to stifle legitimate journalistic practice.
The organisation further appealed to the government to refrain from enforcing prior censorship on broadcast outlets and journalists, including presenters, and to allow them to perform their constitutional duties without interference.
This appeal comes after the NBC issued a notice on April 17, 2026, pointing to an increase in violations of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code and cautioning stations against conduct such as airing “personal opinions,” intimidating guests, or failing to remain impartial.
In response, SERAP argued that such rules are ambiguous and violate constitutional provisions, noting that both Nigerian law and international human rights standards safeguard the right to hold opinions and, within limits, to express them.
It emphasised that journalistic opinions fall within protected forms of expression.
The group also faulted Section 1.10.3 of the Broadcasting Code, saying it effectively imposes prior restraint by excluding commentary, analysis, and evaluative judgments—key elements of journalism and democratic engagement.
SERAP warned that relying on broad and unclear rules could lead to arbitrary enforcement and suppress critical reporting, particularly as the 2027 general elections approach.
According to the organisation, the threat of sanctions based on loosely defined offences could create fear among journalists and broadcasters, weakening constitutional protections.
It added that failure to respond could prompt legal action, giving the government 48 hours to act or face court proceedings aimed at enforcing compliance.
SERAP also urged the NBC to review and amend sections of the Broadcasting Code to ensure they align with constitutional provisions and global human rights standards.
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