The Code of Conduct advisory issued by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has drawn sharp criticism, with concerns that it represents yet another attempt to muzzle the media and further shrink the space for free expression in Nigeria.
Nigeria’s media industry, widely regarded as a resilient and professional institution with global recognition, has come under renewed scrutiny over what stakeholders describe as recurring heavy-handed directives, particularly in the build-up to elections. Critics argue that such measures risk stifling dissent rather than strengthening ethical journalism.
Former Vice President and presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, condemned the development, saying he stands firmly with Nigeria’s broadcast industry and media platforms resisting what he described as creeping censorship.
He stressed that ethical standards must remain constant and not be deployed selectively during election periods as regulatory tools.
According to him, the timing and tone of the advisory raise deeper concerns, suggesting an inclination toward controlling public narratives rather than safeguarding a free, fair, and transparent electoral process.
