The International Press Centre has expressed concern over a recent directive issued by the National Broadcasting Commission to broadcasters, warning that it may pose risks to press freedom and democratic accountability in the country.
The notice by the NBC, dated April 17, cited alleged breaches of the NBC Code in news, current affairs, and political programming.
The Centre cautioned that the move could signal a renewed attempt to restrict the constitutional role of the media in fostering transparency and citizen participation, particularly in Nigeria’s electoral process. It stressed that such regulatory actions must not undermine the fundamental responsibilities of journalists.
A major point of concern for IPC is Section 1.10.3 of the NBC Code, which prohibits presenters and anchors from expressing personal opinions on air. While the provision is intended to ensure neutrality, the organisation warned that it could limit critical analysis and contextual reporting in journalism.
IPC noted that several other provisions within the Code are broadly worded and open to interpretation, potentially creating room for misuse. These include clauses that, if applied restrictively, could discourage investigative reporting, public debate, and legitimate criticism of government actions.
The organisation emphasized that freedom of expression is protected under Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution, as well as international frameworks such as Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. It added that these protections extend to journalists rights to inform and analyse issues of public interest.
IPC warned that excessive regulatory discretion by the NBC could lead to overreach, thereby undermining editorial independence and silencing dissenting voices. It also raised concerns about the potential distortion of the information environment if such measures are not carefully applied.
While acknowledging the importance of maintaining professional broadcasting standards, IPC stated that it supports efforts to curb misinformation and hate speech. It referenced its own Nigeria Media Code of Election Coverage as a complementary framework promoting ethical journalism.
However, the organisation argued that sanctioning journalists solely for expressing clearly identified opinions may violate their rights as media professionals. It maintained that an overly rigid interpretation of the Code could contradict internationally accepted standards on press freedom.
The Executive Director of IPC, Lanre Arogundade, harped on the importance of the media in a democratic society stating that journalists play a critical role in informing citizens, scrutinising power, and enabling the public to make informed democratic choices.
“Restrictions on opinion and analysis in political broadcasting may weaken this role and contribute to reduced quality of public discourse, increased information disorder, heightened electoral tensions, and potential risks to journalists’ safety,” he said.
Arogundade further noted that Nigeria’s complex socio-political challenges make access to accurate and reliable information even more essential. He stressed that a free and independent media remains vital for national stability and democratic development.
IPC therefore called on the NBC to review and amend vague provisions in the Code, ensure that enforcement does not suppress legitimate journalism, and protect the rights and safety of media professionals particularly during electoral periods.
