The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has slammed the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), accusing the regulatory body of attempting to “strangle” press freedom through a new, restrictive directive issued to broadcasters across the country.
The controversy emerged from a “formal notice” issued by the NBC on April 17, 2026, which warns broadcast stations against what the commission terms “breaches” of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.
The NBC specifically targeted the expression of “personal opinions” by presenters and demanded a “crisis-free” presentation style, citing a need for neutrality and balance as the country approaches the 2027 electoral cycle.
The regulator told broadcasters that it would 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.
NBC warned broadcasters to ensure professionalism in handling politics, communal and war issues.
However, in a strongly worded statement, the NUJ slammed the NBC over the directive, describing it as a blatant attempt to institutionalize censorship.
Achike Chude, the National Secretary of the NUJ, argued that the NBC’s demands amount to direct interference in the internal editorial processes of independent media houses.
The NUJ said the NBC’s position on anchors expressing personal opinions and its push for a crisis-free presentation style amount 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,” the statement reads.
“To strip presenters of their right to analyze and contextualize news is to reduce the Nigerian media to a mere mouthpiece.”
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.
“The NBC Code cannot and must not be used to override the supreme law of the land. The government has a duty to ensure that regulatory agencies like the NBC are not weaponized against the media,” Chude said.
“We call on all journalists and broadcasters to remain resolute, professional, and fearless. Your duty is to the public and the truth, not to the whims of any regulatory agency.
“The media is the watchdog of society, not the lapdog of the government and opposition. Any attempt to break the screen or silence the microphone is an attack on Nigerian democracy itself.”
