The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding the immediate withdrawal of a controversial directive by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), which it describes as a veiled attempt to stifle press freedom in Nigeria.
In a letter addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, SERAP argued that the NBC’s recent notice targeting broadcasters over issues such as expressing personal opinions, alleged intimidation of guests, and lack of neutrality goes beyond regulation and enters the territory of censorship.
At the heart of the dispute is the NBC’s enforcement of provisions in the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, particularly those restricting presenters from airing personal views. SERAP contends that such rules undermine the essence of journalism, which inherently includes analysis, commentary, and critical engagement.
The organization warned that the directive, issued on April 17, comes at a sensitive political period ahead of the 2027 general elections and could limit Nigerians’ access to diverse viewpoints. According to SERAP, suppressing broadcasters’ voices risks weakening democratic discourse and public accountability.
Citing Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights frameworks, SERAP maintained that the right to freedom of expression covers not only factual reporting but also opinions and value judgments. It described the NBC’s reliance on vague provisions to sanction broadcasters as legally flawed and open to abuse.
The group further criticized the regulatory approach as disproportionate, arguing that concerns about professionalism or misinformation do not justify sweeping restrictions. Instead, it warned that such measures could foster self-censorship among journalists and erode the media’s role as a watchdog.
SERAP also raised concerns about due process, noting that sanctions based on unclear rules could violate fair hearing principles. It emphasized that any limitations on expression must meet strict tests of legality, necessity, and proportionality standards it believes the NBC directive fails to satisfy.
With the 48-hour deadline ticking, SERAP has made it clear that failure by the government to act will trigger legal proceedings aimed at compelling compliance and protecting media freedom in Nigeria.
