The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to order the immediate withdrawal of a recent directive issued by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), describing it as unlawful and a threat to press freedom.
In a letter dated April 18, 2026, signed by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation urged the president to direct the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, and the NBC to withdraw what it termed a “Formal Notice” issued to broadcasters.
The notice, released on April 17, warned media organisations against alleged breaches of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code and threatened sanctions over issues such as the expression of “personal opinions,” perceived intimidation of guests, and failure to maintain neutrality in news and political programming.
SERAP argued that the directive amounts to an attempt to impose prior censorship on broadcast stations and journalists, potentially restricting their constitutional right to freedom of expression.
“The NBC’s notice represents a dangerous attempt to suppress legitimate journalistic expression,” the organisation said, insisting that both Nigerian law and international human rights frameworks protect the right to hold and express opinions.
The group called on the federal government to ensure that broadcasters and journalists are allowed to operate freely without undue interference, stressing that journalism inherently includes analysis, commentary, and value judgments.
It further urged authorities to amend sections of the Broadcasting Code cited by the NBC, arguing that the provisions are vague, overly broad, and inconsistent with constitutional guarantees and international human rights obligations.
According to SERAP, restrictions placed on media practitioners must meet the standards of legality, necessity, and proportionality in a democratic society—criteria it said the NBC directive fails to satisfy.
The organisation also warned that the use of loosely defined terms such as “professionalism,” “bullying,” and “intimidation” could open the door to arbitrary enforcement and discourage critical journalism.
SERAP cited Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, as well as international legal instruments including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which guarantee the right to receive and impart information without interference.
The group expressed concern that the directive could have a chilling effect on the media, particularly ahead of the 2027 general elections, by limiting open debate and scrutiny of political actors.
“Ahead of the elections, such measures risk entrenching self-censorship and weakening the media’s role in ensuring transparency and accountability,” the statement noted.
SERAP also criticised provisions requiring broadcasters to always provide opposing views, arguing that such rules could undermine editorial independence and amount to compelled speech.
The organisation gave the federal government a 48-hour ultimatum to act on its recommendations, warning that it would pursue legal action if the directive is not withdrawn.
The NBC has yet to issue a formal response to SERAP’s demands, but the development has sparked renewed debate over the balance between media regulation and freedom of expression in Nigeria.
