Amnesty International and the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project have called for the withdrawal of a directive issued by the National Broadcasting Commission, warning that it threatens press freedom.
In a statement on Sunday, Amnesty International described the directive as a violation of journalists’ rights and international standards.
The directive, released on 17 April 2026, cautioned broadcasters against expressing personal opinions, intimidating guests, or failing to maintain neutrality, citing alleged breaches of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.
The move has since sparked widespread criticism from civil society organisations, who argue that it could undermine media independence.
Amnesty’s position
Its Nigeria Director, Mr Isa Sanusi, said, “Nigeria’s vibrant broadcast media… is protected under instruments like the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.”
He warned that the directive reflects “an unrelenting quest to silence journalists,” adding that independent media is essential to safeguarding public access to information.
“The latest threat issued by NBC is authoritarian and unconstitutional. Broadcasters must continue doing their job fiercely and independently without fear,” Mr Sanusi said.
SERAP’s demand
Similarly, SERAP urged President Bola Tinubu to order the immediate withdrawal of the directive.
In a letter dated 18 April 2026, signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation described the NBC’s action as unlawful.
“The NBC’s notice represents a dangerous attempt to impose prior censorship on the media and suppress legitimate journalistic expression,” the letter read.
SERAP further called on the government to “abstain from imposing prior censorship… and allow journalists to freely carry out their constitutional responsibilities.”
Legal concerns
The organisation criticised provisions of the Broadcasting Code, particularly Section 1.10.3, describing them as vague and open to abuse.
“This amounts to prior restraint that impermissibly excludes commentary, analysis, and value judgments—the core of journalism and democratic discourse,” SERAP stated.
It warned that such provisions could lead to arbitrary enforcement and create a chilling effect on media practitioners, especially ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ultimatum
SERAP gave the government a 48-hour ultimatum to reverse the directive or face legal action.
“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 48 hours… otherwise, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel compliance,” the group said.
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