The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to order an immediate pullback of a recent National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) directive aimed at radio and TV stations. The group described the April 17, 2026 “Formal Notice” as unlawful, saying it threatens penalties for broadcasters over vague issues such as sharing “personal opinions,” alleged “bullying or intimidation” of guests, and not “maintaining neutrality.”

In a letter dated April 18, 2026, SERAP asked the President to direct the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris Malagi, and the NBC to stop imposing prior censorship on stations and journalists. It also urged the government to allow presenters to work without restrictions and to revise parts of the 6th Edition of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code so it aligns with the Constitution and Nigeria’s international human rights commitments.

The NBC’s notice had warned of “strict compliance” and “Class B sanctions” for breaches in news, current affairs, and political programs. SERAP argued the move risks suppressing legitimate journalistic expression and amounts to prior restraint on the media.

Source: Vanguard, April 2026