The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Bola Tinubu to direct the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to immediately withdraw its recent directive to broadcasters, describing it as unlawful, vague, and an attempt to suppress press freedom.
In a letter dated April 18 and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP argued that the directive constitutes “prior censorship” and threatens constitutional guarantees of free expression and journalistic independence.
The organisation specifically called on the President to instruct the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, and the NBC to reverse the “formal notice” that warns broadcasters and presenters of possible sanctions for alleged breaches.
SERAP maintained that the Nigerian Constitution, alongside international human rights laws, protects both the right to hold opinions and the right to freely express ideas. It further stressed that journalistic opinions fall within protected speech.
The group criticised the NBC’s restriction on presenters expressing personal views, stating that such a blanket prohibition is unconstitutional and undermines media freedom. It also faulted the reliance on undefined standards such as “professionalism,” warning that such vague terms could lead to arbitrary enforcement and abuse.
According to SERAP, the directive poses a serious threat to democratic discourse by creating a chilling effect that may discourage critical journalism and open debate. The organisation also expressed concern that the timing of the directive, ahead of the 2027 general elections, could undermine citizens’ right to access diverse political viewpoints.
The NBC had issued the directive on April 17, 2026, citing rising cases of unprofessional conduct and warning broadcasters to comply strictly with the Nigeria Broadcasting Code or face sanctions.
SERAP has given the federal government 48 hours to withdraw the directive, warning that it will take legal action if its demands are not met.
