Amnesty International has criticised the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) over its recent directive to broadcasters, describing it as an attempt to stifle press freedom in Nigeria.
In a press release issued on April 19, 2026, the organisation condemned what it called an “outrageous and desperate attempt” by the NBC to gag journalists through a “formal notice to broadcasters” dated April 17, 2026
According to Amnesty International, the directive, targeting political broadcasts and presenters of current affairs programmes, imposes “unduly restrictive and invasive controls” on media organisations and journalists.
The group said the notice appeared designed to pressure journalists into self-censorship.
“The commission has no power or right to tell journalists how to do their job,” the statement said, adding that the directive represents “an attempt to pressure journalists and media organizations into self-censorship.”
Speaking on the development, the Executive Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, Isa Sanusi, emphasised the importance of an independent media in a democratic society.
“Nigeria’s vibrant broadcast media whose editorial content is independent enable people to freely seek, debate, receive and impart information and ideas as envisaged by the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,” Sanusi said.
He called on authorities to halt what he described as a sustained effort to silence the press.
“The Nigerian authorities must stop using the NBC in an unrelenting quest to silence journalists and the media organisations that are crucial to ensuring independent and diverse media space that fulfill people’s right to information,” he added.
Amnesty International further described the NBC’s action as “authoritarian and unconstitutional,” warning that such measures could undermine democratic principles and the public’s right to access information.
The organisation urged broadcasters to continue to carry out their duties independently and without fear, despite the directive.
Earlier, the NBC issued a warning to broadcast stations nationwide, citing what it described as a “sustained increase” in violations of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.
In a statement, the commission expressed concern that many radio and television stations were straying from their core responsibility of delivering accurate, balanced, and professional information to the public.
It noted that broadcast platforms were increasingly being used in ways that undermine journalistic ethics, particularly in news, current affairs, and political programming.
“As we approach the 2027 General Elections, the Commission hereby notifies all broadcasters and stakeholders that it will enforce strict and uncompromised compliance with every provision of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code,” the statement read.
A key aspect of the NBC’s warning was what it described as a growing “crisis” in professionalism among programme anchors and presenters.
The commission said several broadcasters had breached key provisions of the Code by presenting personal opinions as facts, failing to ensure balanced perspectives, and allowing inflammatory content to go unchecked.
Citing relevant sections of the Code, the NBC reminded stations that presenters must avoid injecting personal bias into programmes and must ensure that all sides of issues of public interest are fairly represented.
It also warned that presenters who bully guests, suppress opposing views, or compromise neutrality would be deemed to have committed a “Class B breach,” an offence that could attract sanctions.
The commission further raised concerns about what it described as the increasing misuse of broadcast platforms by political actors across party lines.
It accused politicians of using media appearances to spread hate speech, incite division, and make inflammatory statements capable of triggering public disorder.
The NBC emphasised that broadcasters have a “non-transferable obligation” to maintain editorial control at all times, including during live programmes, and cannot shift responsibility to guests.
“Broadcast platforms must not be used for hate speech, personal attacks, or content inciting disorder along political lines,” the commission warned.
The NBC placed all broadcasters on formal notice, describing compliance with the Nigeria Broadcasting Code as “mandatory, not discretionary.”
It warned that any station found airing unbalanced, divisive, or unverified content would face regulatory sanctions.
