The Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) is facing growing backlash over its recent directive threatening sanctions against broadcast stations for what it described as declining professionalism in news and political programming.
The commission had issued a formal notice warning radio and television organisations across Nigeria to strictly comply with the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, citing rising cases of ethical breaches, biased reporting, and the spread of hate speech. It stressed that offenders would face penalties, especially as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
According to the NBC, there has been a worrying trend of programme anchors injecting personal opinions, failing to ensure balance, and allowing politically charged content capable of inciting division.
The commission warned that such practices could erode public trust and destabilise the nation during a sensitive political period.
However, the directive has drawn sharp criticism from media stakeholders, including the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), which described the move as a veiled attempt to gag the press and enforce censorship.
The union argued that the warning threatens editorial independence and could lead to self-censorship among journalists.
Similarly, the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) condemned the NBC’s position, warning that vague provisions in the directive could be misused to target critical voices. The guild emphasised that journalism requires probing questions and rigorous scrutiny of public officials, especially in a democratic setting.
Political figures have also weighed in, with Peter Obi cautioning that attempts to regulate media content at such a crucial time could weaken democratic institutions. He stressed that a free press remains essential for accountability and transparency.
Meanwhile, some analysts, including Adebayo Okunade, alleged that the move could favour the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), arguing that stricter regulations may limit opposition voices ahead of the elections.
Despite the criticism, the NBC insists that its actions are aimed at promoting professionalism, curbing hate speech, and ensuring responsible broadcasting. It maintained that compliance with the code is mandatory and essential for maintaining national unity and public trust.
As tensions rise, the development has reignited debate over the balance between media regulation and press freedom in Nigeria’s evolving democracy.
