The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to order the immediate withdrawal of a controversial sanctions notice issued by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).
In a letter dated 18 April 2026 and signed by its deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the group described the NBC’s directive as “unlawful” and a threat to press freedom.
The notice, issued on 17 April, warned broadcasters of sanctions over alleged breaches of the 6th Edition of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, particularly in news, political and current affairs programming.
However, SERAP argued that the directive amounts to prior censorship, especially as it targets presenters for expressing “personal opinions”, alleged intimidation of guests, and failure to maintain neutrality.
According to SERAP, such restrictions violate Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights laws, including Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and Article 9 of the African Charter.
The organisation insisted that journalism inherently includes commentary, analysis and value judgments, which are protected forms of expression.
It further criticised Section 1.10.3 of the broadcasting code, which prohibits presenters from expressing opinions, describing it as a “blanket restriction” that fails the legal standards of necessity and proportionality in a democratic society.
SERAP warned that vague provisions cited by the NBC to classify conduct as “Class B breaches” could lead to arbitrary enforcement and create a chilling effect across the media industry.
The group also raised concerns about undefined terms such as “bullying” and “intimidation”, noting that they could be used to suppress critical questioning — a core element of investigative journalism.
“Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the NBC’s Formal Notice undermines Nigerians’ democratic rights to receive diverse information and engage in open debate,” SERAP said.
It added that such measures risk encouraging self-censorship, weakening media scrutiny of political actors and undermining credible elections.
SERAP gave the federal government 48 hours to act on its demands or face possible legal action in the public interest.
