Human Rights Groups Condemn NBC Directive as Threat to Press Freedom
Human rights organizations have raised serious concerns over a recent directive issued by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), labeling it as an attempt to suppress press freedom and impose unlawful restrictions on journalists. The directive, which was released on April 17, 2026, has sparked widespread controversy across Nigeria’s media landscape.
The notice issued by the NBC warned broadcasters against expressing personal opinions, allegedly intimidating guests, or failing to maintain neutrality. It cited a rise in breaches of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code as justification for these measures. However, critics argue that the directive goes beyond reasonable regulation and instead seeks to control the narrative within the media.
Amnesty International, a global human rights organization, strongly criticized the NBC’s “formal notice to broadcasters.” Its Nigeria Executive Director, Isa Sanusi, stated that the move undermines the independence of the media and violates international human rights standards. He emphasized that Nigeria’s broadcast media, which plays a crucial role in enabling citizens to freely seek, receive, and impart information, is protected under key international instruments such as the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Sanusi urged Nigerian authorities to halt what he described as an “unrelenting quest to silence journalists.” He stressed that independent and diverse media are essential to safeguarding the public’s right to information. Amnesty International further described the NBC’s directive as authoritarian and unconstitutional, arguing that the commission lacks the authority to dictate how journalists carry out their duties.
The organization called on broadcasters to continue operating fiercely and independently without fear. “Broadcasters must continue doing their job fiercely and independently without fear,” the statement said.
In addition to Amnesty International, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) also condemned the directive. SERAP urged President Bola Tinubu to order the immediate withdrawal of the notice, describing it as unlawful and a threat to press freedom. In a letter dated April 18, 2026, signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization called on the President to instruct the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, and the NBC to reverse the notice.
SERAP argued that the NBC’s notice represents a dangerous attempt to impose prior censorship on the media and suppress legitimate journalistic expression. The group also asked the government to “abstain from imposing prior censorship on broadcast stations and Nigerian journalists, including presenters” and to allow them to freely carry out their constitutional responsibilities.
The organization criticized 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 maintained that the NBC’s reliance on broad and unclear provisions risks arbitrary enforcement and could stifle critical reporting, especially ahead of 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 warned that failure to act could trigger legal action, stating, “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.”
