April 19, 2026 | SUNTV Global Channel News Desk
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, demanding the immediate withdrawal of a controversial “Formal Notice” issued by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), which it says threatens press freedom and violates constitutional rights.
In a strongly worded letter, SERAP urged President Tinubu to direct the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, and the to suspend the directive, describing it as unlawful, vague, and capable of encouraging censorship in the Nigerian media space.
According to SERAP, the NBC notice—issued on April 17, 2026—warns broadcast stations and presenters of sanctions for alleged breaches of the 6th Edition of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code. The offences reportedly include expressing “personal opinions,” alleged “bullying or intimidation” of guests, and failure to maintain “neutrality” in programming.
SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, in the letter dated April 18, 2026, described the directive as a “dangerous attempt to impose prior censorship” on journalists and broadcasters, arguing that it violates both the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights standards.
The group insisted that journalistic opinion and commentary are protected forms of expression, stressing that the right to freedom of expression under Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution includes analysis, criticism, and value judgments.
SERAP further criticized the NBC for relying on what it called “vague and overly broad provisions” that could be arbitrarily enforced. It warned that terms such as “bullying” and “intimidation” lack clear legal definitions and could be misused to suppress investigative journalism and critical questioning.
The organization also rejected NBC’s justification of improving professionalism in broadcasting, describing it as unsubstantiated and insufficient to justify restrictions on media freedom.
SERAP cautioned that the directive could have serious implications ahead of the 2027 general elections, potentially stifling diverse viewpoints, encouraging self-censorship, and weakening the media’s watchdog role in democratic governance.
The rights group also argued that requiring broadcasters to maintain strict neutrality or give “fair hearing” to opposing views could amount to compelled speech and editorial interference.
It warned that sanctions classified as “Class B breaches,” which may include fines or suspension of broadcast licenses, represent a disproportionate punishment and raise concerns over due process and fair hearing.
SERAP concluded by demanding that the NBC immediately withdraw the notice and review the Broadcasting Code to align with constitutional and international human rights obligations.
The group gave the federal government a 48-hour deadline, warning that failure to comply would lead to legal action aimed at enforcing press freedom protections.
“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 48 hours… otherwise SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions in the public interest,” the organization stated.
As tensions rise between media regulation and press freedom advocacy, the development is expected to spark wider national debate on the boundaries of broadcasting regulation in Nigeria.
