The Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has commended the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) for issuing guidance to broadcasters ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections
However, the group has raised concerns over what it described as vague provisions in the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, despite the guideline being a timely intervention aimed at promoting professionalism, ethical conduct, and compliance with broadcasting standards.
The NBC had, in its advisory, highlighted increasing breaches of the code in news, current affairs, and political programming, urging broadcasters to uphold accuracy, fairness, balance, and professionalism as the country approaches a critical electoral period.
The Executive Director of MRA, Edetaen Ojo, stated that the guideline could help curb misinformation, hate speech, and incitement capable of undermining democratic processes and social cohesion.
Ojo expressed reservations about certain aspects of the Code referenced by the NBC, warning that vague and undefined terms could be misinterpreted or misapplied, with potential implications for freedom of expression and media independence.
Specifically, he criticised the directive discouraging presenters from expressing personal opinions across programmes, arguing that such a blanket restriction could undermine legitimate journalistic formats such as analysis and commentary.
“Although professionalism and impartiality are important, a blanket restriction on presenters’ expression of opinions risks undermining legitimate journalistic formats such as analysis, commentary, and other forms of editorial programming, which are potentially integral to democratic discourse.
“It also potentially violates the right to freedom of expression, including the freedom to hold opinions, guaranteed by Section 39 of the Constitution and various international instruments,” Ojo said.
He also questioned provisions requiring that all sides of an issue be presented within the same broadcast, describing the expectation as potentially impractical and restrictive of editorial judgment in certain contexts.
Further concerns were raised over broadly worded restrictions on “divisive materials” or content that could “compromise the indivisibility” of Nigeria. He warned that without clear definitions, such provisions could be used to suppress dissenting views and critical reporting.
Similarly, he noted that the NBC’s caution against bullying or intimidation of guests lacked clarity, raising the possibility that robust questioning of public officials could be misconstrued as misconduct.
While acknowledging the need to regulate harmful content, Ojo urged the NBC to ensure that its guidelines are precise, proportionate, and aligned with constitutional guarantees, particularly the right to freedom of expression.
The organisation called on the Commission to refine ambiguous provisions, protect legitimate journalistic practices, and engage stakeholders—including broadcasters and civil society—in dialogue to achieve balanced regulation.
The MRA stressed that as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 elections, maintaining a free, independent, and professional media environment remains critical to credible polls and democratic accountability.
