2027: NBC’s new directive to broadcast organisations raises dust

The recent threat by the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission, NBC, to sanctions broadcast organizations, comprising radio and television outfits, in Nigeria over declining standards in news and political analysis has not gone down well with some Nigerians, including the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, the umbrella body of all media practitioners in the country.

A few days ago, the NBC had issued a formal notice to broadcast stations across Nigeria, warning of stricter enforcement of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code following what it described as a sustained rise in ethical and professional breaches, particularly in news, current affairs, and political programming. It threatened that broadcast media found to be involved in what the Commission described as declining professionalism, misuse of platforms by political actors and increasing hate speech would be punished accordingly.

In a statement, the commission said it had observed a troubling pattern in which broadcast platforms were increasingly being used in ways that undermine their core responsibility to inform the public with accuracy, balance and professionalism.

The commission noted that the trend, if left unchecked, could erode public trust in the media and heighten tensions as the country gradually moves towards the 2027 general elections.

It stressed that it would enforce “strict and uncompromised compliance” with the provisions of the 6th Edition of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.

It specifically highlighted rules relating to fairness, accuracy, balance, hate speech and respect for constitutional authorities, warning that infractions in these areas would attract sanctions.

“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, particularly, those relating to fairness, balance, accuracy, hate speech, incitement and respect for constitutional bodies,” the commission said.

A major concern raised by the commission was what it termed a ‘crisis’ in the professionalism of programme anchors and presenters.

According to the NBC, there had been a noticeable departure from the established journalistic standards, including instances where presenters inject personal opinions into programmes, fail to give equitable representation to opposing views, or even allow discussions to tilt in favour of particular interests.

Such practices, the commission said, violate explicit provisions of the broadcasting code that requires neutrality and fairness in the handling of issues of public interest.

The commission also criticised what it described as the misuse of broadcast platforms by political actors. It noted that politicians across party lines were increasingly exploiting radio and television programmes to disseminate content that could be inflammatory, divisive and capable of inciting public disorder.

It went ahead to reference multiple sections of the code that prohibit content capable of encouraging crime, undermining national unity or disrespecting human dignity.

In particular, the commission expressed concern over the growing prevalence of hate speech, inciting rhetoric and narratives that could deepen political and communal divisions. It warned that such content not only violates broadcasting standards but also poses a broader threat to Nigeria’s stability, especially in a politically sensitive period.
The commission noted that some broadcasters now allow personal opinions to be presented as facts, in clear violation of established guidelines.

It cited provisions of the code which prohibit presenters from injecting personal views into programmes and mandated that all sides of issues of public interest must be equitably represented, preferably within the same broadcast.

It further emphasised that broadcasters bear ultimate responsibility for content transmitted on their platforms, regardless of the source and urged media organisations to strengthen internal editorial controls and ensure that all programmes, especially those dealing with politics, elections and public policy, are handled with the highest level of professionalism and sensitivity.

“Broadcast platforms must not be used for hate speech, personal attacks or content inciting disorder along political lines. The Code places a non-transferable obligation on broadcasters to exercise editorial judgment at all times, including during live programming,” the commission stated.

The commission, however, warned that any anchor or presenter found to have expressed personal opinions as fact, intimidated guests, denied fair hearing to opposing views or otherwise compromised neutrality would be deemed to have committed Class B breach under the code. Such infractions, it noted, could attract regulatory sanctions.

Reiterating its directive, the NBC placed all broadcasters on formal notice to ensure strict adherence to the code in all news and political programming. It stressed that compliance is mandatory and not subject to discretion, adding that stations must guarantee fairness, balance, accuracy and the right of reply in their content.

However, as patriotic as the NBC’s warning may seem, some people have said it is a subtle means to further constrict the political space, just to align with what the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, is allegedly trying to do with political parties.

Those who hold this view are saying that the NBC’s notice overtly appears altruistic but covertly smells of selfishness. There also claims that the ruling APC is afraid of honest criticism and the only way to stop the opposition politicians from exposing its shortcomings as Nigerians approach another election cycle is to prevent them from airing their honest views in radios and televisions.

A leading voice on this divide is a political analyst, Adebayo Okunade.

He told DAILY POST: “What the NBC is doing is to give political advantage to the ruling APC. Of course, we all know that APC is full of baggage. The party has failed woefully and because this is election time with campaigns around the corner, the only way to stop the opposition from exposing the failures and rot in the system is to prevent the broadcast media from entertaining them in their stations. This is a subtle means of stopping the opposition from telling Nigerians the truth about this government.

“This is because when an opposition candidate or politician begins to reel out the corruption and profligacy in the system, they will say you are inciting the public against the government and the NBC will come after the station that allowed such expression. But in reality, the politician has not committed any offence; he has only spoken the truth but the ruling party will tag it hate speech or inciting utterance. So, every well-meaning Nigerian should speak out against the NBC in this voyage because it is not good for our democracy.”

In the same vein, the NUJ has faulted the advisory describing it as veiled attempt at censorship’

In a statement on Monday its national secretary, Achike Chude, the NUJ described the warning as a veiled attempt to gag the media and institutionalise censorship.

The union said it viewed the NBC’s notice with grave concern and utter disappointment, adding that the directive threatens free speech and editorial independence in Nigeria’s media space.

It said the NBC’s position on anchors expressing personal opinions and its push for a crisis-free presentation style amounted to direct interference in the internal editorial processes of independent media houses.

“Journalism, particularly in the realm of current affairs and political analysis, requires robust engagement.
“To strip presenters of their right to analyse and contextualise news is to reduce the Nigerian media to a mere mouthpiece,” it stated.

The union also raised concerns about what it described as vague regulatory provisions, warning that the classification of such actions as ‘Class B breaches’ with penalties, including fines or suspension, could intimidate journalists and stifle critical reporting.

“This regime of fear encourages self-censorship, where journalists are too afraid to ask tough questions for fear of being labeled ‘unprofessional’ or ‘hostile’ by a regulatory body that has increasingly become a political tool,” the statement added.

The NUJ reminded the commission that Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution guarantees the freedom of expression, including the freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference.

Also reacting, the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) said the move was not only dangerous and injurious to journalism but also amounts to a direct assault on the principles of press freedom, editorial independence and democratic accountability.

The Guild, in a statement by Eze Anaba and Onuoha Ukeh, president and general secretary, respectively, said while it acknowledged that the NBC may be motivated by a desire to promote professionalism and uphold ethical standards in broadcasting, the Commission’s vague and broadly worded statement was open to multiple interpretations.

It argued that such ambiguity creates room for misuse, as it may be selectively applied or misinterpreted in ways that unfairly target journalists and media organisations carrying out their legitimate duties.

The statement read: “The interpretation of the 6th Edition of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code across news, current affairs, and political programmes is inherently subjective. By positioning itself as the sole arbiter regarding rigorous questioning or appropriate scrutiny, the NBC opens the door to potential abuse. This approach risks weaponizing the broadcasting code to induce self-censorship among broadcasters, stifle legitimate journalistic inquiry and silence critical voices.

“We reiterate that the role of broadcast presenters and journalists, particularly during interviews, is to ask probing questions, challenge inconsistencies and demand clarity in the public interest. Journalism is not designed to place public officials or interviewees in a comfort zone, but to hold power accountable.

“As the country moves closer to another election cycle, there is no better time for the media to intensify its watchdog role than now. The scrutiny of political actors is essential. Citizens rely on the media for accurate and comprehensive information to make informed decisions and carry out their civic responsibilities. This responsibility demands that journalists ask tough, even uncomfortable, questions in the public interest.

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“While we acknowledge the need for professionalism and civility in broadcasting, we must not lose sight of a fundamental truth: Democracy does not thrive on timid journalism, but on bold, responsible and fact-driven interrogation of issues and personalities.

“Journalists are not lawbreakers. They are trained professionals guided by enduring ethical standards, including the principle that ‘comment is free, but facts are sacred.’

“We, therefore, urge regulatory bodies to operate within clearly defined, transparent and fair frameworks that do not undermine the independence of the media.

“The NBC must demonstrate impartiality and restraint, carefully distinguishing between genuine misconduct and the rightful exercise of journalistic duty.

“In the face of such threats, the Nigerian press will not be intimidated. We remain resolute in our commitment to ask tough questions, report facts and provide analysis without fear or favour.”

Also in his reaction, the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi, warned that attempts to regulate media content during a sensitive political period could undermine Nigeria’s democracy.

Writing on his verified ‘X’ handle, yesterday, he expressed concern that the country was drifting dangerously at a time when democratic institutions should be strengthened rather than constrained.

“The recent notice by the National Broadcasting Commission, especially at this critical time of the general elections, is very troubling,” he said.

He emphasised the role of the media as a vital pillar of democracy, cautioning against any move to suppress press freedom.
“A free and responsible media should not be an enemy to any administration. The media is the conscience of the nation.

“Attempting to stifle voices, moderate opinions or intimidate journalists under the guise of regulation only weakens our already fragile democracy,” he stated.

He further stressed that institutions should serve citizens rather than governments, noting that institutions are not built to serve governments; they are built to serve the people.

He also linked the development to broader national challenges, including insecurity and economic hardship, arguing that the government’s priorities should be focused elsewhere.

“At a time when insecurity is on the rise, young Nigerians are losing faith in the country and the economy continues to fail the average citizen, our focus should not be on controlling media narratives, but on delivering results,” he added.
He called for renewed commitment to transparency and accountability across all arms of government, urging authorities to protect the independence of regulatory bodies.

“We must return to the path of transparency, accountability and true independence of all arms and agencies of government,” he added.

He declared solidarity with media organisations across the country, saying, “Nigeria does not need stronger control. Nigeria needs stronger institutions.”