Amnesty, SERAP knock NBC over directive on broadcast stations, say journalists can’t be controlled

AMNESTY International has criticised what it called an ‘outrageous and desperate attempt’ by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to muzzle journalists through a recent directive to broadcasters.

In a statement responding to the NBC’s ‘formal notice to broadcasters’ issued on April 17, 2026, the rights group insisted that the commission does not have the mandate to dictate how journalists perform their professional responsibilities.

Amnesty said the directive, which is aimed at political programming and presenters of current affairs shows, introduces ‘unduly restrictive and invasive controls’ that could undermine the independence of the media.

The organisation warned that the move appears calculated to push journalists and media houses toward self-censorship, stressing that such pressure poses a serious risk to press freedom and democratic accountability.

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Highlighting the role of the media, Amnesty’s Country Director for Nigeria, Mr Isa Sanusi, noted that Nigeria’s broadcast sector plays a critical role in enabling citizens to exchange ideas freely, in line with protections under regional and international human rights frameworks.

Sanusi urged authorities to desist from what he described as using the NBC as a tool to suppress independent journalism.

He said the government must end efforts to silence media organisations, emphasising the importance of maintaining a diverse and independent information space that upholds citizens’ right to know.

Amnesty further described the NBC’s directive as unconstitutional and authoritarian, calling on broadcasters nationwide to resist undue pressure.

The organisation encouraged journalists to remain resolute, urging them to continue reporting boldly and independently despite the challenges.

NBC directive

The NBC had earlier issued a formal notice to broadcast stations across Nigeria, warning of stricter enforcement of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code following what it described as a sustained rise in ethical and professional breaches, particularly in news, current affairs, and political programming.

In a statement released Friday, the commission said it had observed a troubling pattern in which broadcast platforms are increasingly being used in ways that undermine their core responsibility to inform the public with accuracy, balance, and professionalism.

“As we approach the 2027 General Elections, the Commission, hereby, notifies all broadcasters and stakeholders that it will enforce strict and uncompromised compliance with every provision of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, particularly, those relating to fairness, balance, accuracy, hate speech, incitement and respect for constitutional bodies,” the commission said.

The NBC said there has been a noticeable departure from established journalistic standards, including instances where presenters inject personal opinions into programmes, fail to give equitable representation to opposing views, or allow discussions to tilt in favour of particular interests.

The commission said such practices violate explicit provisions of the broadcasting code that require neutrality and fairness in the handling of issues of public interest.

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SERAP criticises NBC

Also, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has asked President Tinubu to direct the NBC to withdraw its recent directive to broadcasters, describing it as unlawful and repressive.

SERAP, in a letter dated April 18 and signed by its Deputy Director, Mr Kolawole Oluwadare, said the directive represents a “dangerous attempt to impose prior censorship on the media and suppress legitimate journalistic expression.”

SERAP asked Tinubu to ensure that Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, and the NBC immediately withdraw the unlawful ‘formal notice,’ which threatens sanctions against broadcast stations and presenters on vague and unjustified grounds”.

SERAP also called on the government to immediately abstain from imposing prior censorship on broadcast stations and Nigerian journalists and allow them to freely carry out their constitutional responsibilities.

It noted that key provisions cited by the NBC were inconsistent with constitutional guarantees of free expression.

“The Nigerian Constitution and international human rights law protect both the absolute right to hold opinions and the qualified right to express ideas of all kinds. Journalistic opinion is protected expression,” SERAP said.