Amnesty slams NBC’s new directive as authoritarian, unconstitutional

Human rights organisation, Amnesty International, has strongly criticised a recent directive issued by the National Broadcasting Commission, describing it as an attempt to stifle press freedom and impose unlawful restrictions on journalists.

In a statement on Sunday, the group faulted the NBC’s “formal notice to broadcasters” dated April 17, 2026, which targets political broadcasts and anchors of current affairs programmes.

The notice warned broadcasters against actions such as expressing personal opinions, allegedly intimidating guests, or failing to maintain neutrality, citing a rise in breaches of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.

Reacting, Amnesty International Nigeria’s Executive Director, Isa Sanusi, said the move undermines the independence of the media and violates international human rights standards.

“Nigeria’s vibrant broadcast media, whose editorial independence enables citizens to freely seek, receive, and impart information, is protected under instruments like the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,” Sanusi said.

He urged Nigerian authorities to halt what he described as an “unrelenting quest to silence journalists,” stressing that independent and diverse media are essential to safeguarding the public’s right to information.

Amnesty International further described the NBC’s directive as authoritarian and unconstitutional, insisting that the commission lacks the power to dictate how journalists carry out their duties.

The organisation called on broadcasters to continue operating fiercely and independently without fear.

“The latest threat issued by NBC is authoritarian and unconstitutional. Broadcasters must continue doing their job fiercely and independently without fear.

“Broadcasters must continue doing their job fiercely and independently without fear,” the statement said.