Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Amnesty International has strongly criticised the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) over a recent directive it described as an “unlawful and repressive attempt” to control journalism in Nigeria, warning that the action represents a growing threat to press freedom and democratic accountability in the country.
The human rights organisation’s reaction follows a “formal notice to broadcasters” issued by the NBC on April 17, 2026, which reminded radio and television stations of their obligations under the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, particularly in relation to political programming, current affairs discussions, and news presentation during the pre-election period leading up to the 2027 general elections.
In its statement, Amnesty International argued that the NBC has overstepped its legal authority by prescribing how journalists should conduct their professional duties. It said the directive imposes excessive and intrusive controls on editorial independence, especially targeting political anchors and commentators.
The organisation described the notice as an attempt to pressure media houses into self-censorship, warning that such regulatory actions could weaken public access to diverse viewpoints and undermine the media’s role as a watchdog in society. It maintained that the measure risks discouraging critical reporting at a time when informed public debate is essential.
Amnesty International stressed that Nigeria’s broadcast media play a vital role in ensuring citizens can freely receive, discuss, and share information, in line with international human rights standards, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. It argued that these protections require governments to safeguard, rather than restrict, media freedom.
The organisation further accused Nigerian authorities of repeatedly using regulatory institutions to intimidate journalists and limit independent reporting. It described the latest NBC directive as part of a broader pattern that could erode democratic space if left unchecked.
According to Amnesty International, the NBC’s notice is particularly concerning because it focuses on political broadcasts and live discussions, areas of journalism that are central to public accountability and electoral transparency. It warned that placing restrictive conditions on such programming could lead to reduced scrutiny of political actors and government institutions.
The group also characterised the directive as authoritarian and inconsistent with constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression, insisting that regulatory bodies should not interfere with editorial decision-making or impose vague standards that could be used to punish critical journalism.
Amnesty International called on Nigerian authorities to immediately halt what it described as efforts to silence journalists through regulatory pressure. It urged the government to ensure that the NBC operates strictly within its legal mandate and does not infringe on constitutionally protected rights.
It also appealed directly to broadcasters across the country to resist intimidation and continue performing their duties independently, emphasizing that a free press is essential for accountability, particularly during politically sensitive periods such as election cycles.
The NBC, in its earlier notice, had reportedly reminded broadcasters of the need to adhere strictly to the provisions of the broadcasting code, particularly those relating to fairness, balance, and avoidance of hate speech or misinformation during political programming. It also warned against presenters expressing personal opinions as facts or allowing unchecked partisan commentary on air.
While the commission maintains that its actions are aimed at ensuring professionalism and preventing inflammatory content that could destabilise the political environment, critics argue that such directives risk being interpreted as tools for censorship if not clearly defined and transparently enforced.
The controversy reflects long-standing tensions between media regulation and press freedom in Nigeria, where broadcasters operate under a code that grants the NBC broad powers to sanction stations for violations, including fines, suspensions, or licence restrictions.
Media rights advocates have repeatedly called for reforms to the regulatory framework, arguing that it concentrates excessive power in the hands of the commission and creates room for potential abuse, especially during politically sensitive periods.
As Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 general elections, concerns over media freedom, political communication, and information control are expected to intensify, with civil society groups closely monitoring regulatory actions that could affect the independence of the press.
For now, Amnesty International’s intervention has added further weight to the ongoing debate over the balance between media regulation and freedom of expression in Nigeria’s democratic space.
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