The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has given President Bola Tinubu 48 hours to withdraw what it described as an “unlawful” notice issued by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), warning broadcasters and presenters of possible sanctions.
In a letter dated 18 April 2026, SERAP said the directive amounted to a troubling push towards censorship and posed a direct threat to journalists’ constitutional rights.
The controversy followed an NBC notice issued on 17 April, in which the regulator cited a rise in alleged violations of the 6th Edition of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, particularly in news and political programmes.
The commission warned it would enforce stricter compliance, including “Class B” sanctions, for breaches such as: expressing personal opinions on air, intimidating or bullying interview guests, and failing to remain neutral or offer fair hearing to opposing views.
SERAP, through its deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, argued that the directive contravenes Section 39 of the Constitution, as well as international human rights frameworks.
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The group maintained that journalism naturally involves analysis and informed opinion, both of which are protected forms of expression in a democratic society.
According to SERAP, the restrictions—particularly provisions within the Broadcasting Code—effectively impose prior restraint by limiting commentary and critical analysis, which it described as central to public discourse.
It also criticised the use of broad and undefined terms such as “professionalism” and “bullying”, warning that such language could be applied arbitrarily and discourage robust, investigative reporting.
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With the 2027 general elections approaching, SERAP warned that the NBC’s stance could weaken democratic engagement by restricting open debate and limiting the diversity of views available to the public.
The organisation argued that rather than promoting responsible broadcasting, the directive could encourage self-censorship and reduce accountability for political actors.
SERAP called on the President to: order the immediate withdrawal of the NBC notice, halt any form of prior censorship targeting journalists and presenters, and direct a review of the Broadcasting Code to align it with constitutional and international human rights standards.
The group said it would pursue legal action if the government failed to respond within the 48-hour window.
It warned that it was prepared to seek judicial intervention to compel compliance, should its demands be ignored.
