US EditionNigeria: Attempt to Gag Broadcasters - Atiku, Serap, Amnesty Int'l Slam NBC
Amnesty International says the directive could force self-censorship and violate international protections for free expression and access to information.
- On Friday, April 17, 2026, the National Broadcasting Commission issued a directive targeting political programming, which Amnesty International strongly criticized as an unlawful attempt to silence journalists and restrict media freedom.
- Titled "formal notice to broadcasters," the directive appears designed to pressure media houses into self-censorship, with Amnesty noting the NBC "has no power or right to dictate how journalists carry out their professional duties."
- Amnesty further accused Nigerian authorities of using the NBC to suppress independent journalism, calling the threat "authoritarian and unconstitutional" and labeling requirements "unduly restrictive and invasive controls" on media operations.
- Referencing the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Amnesty stressed that Nigerian broadcast media enables citizens to "freely seek, debate, receive and impart information and ideas."
- The NBC has yet to publicly respond to the criticism, though Amnesty insists journalists must continue doing their jobs "fiercely and independently, without fear" despite the regulatory pressure.
21 Articles
21 Articles
Nigeria: Attempt to Gag Broadcasters - Atiku, Serap, Amnesty Int'l Slam NBC
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, and Amnesty International have kicked against recent directives given broadcasters by the National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, on how to do their jobs.
Amnesty, CSOs Flay NBC Over Directive To Broadcasters
Amnesty International, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and former vice president Atiku Abubakar have criticised the recent advisory issued by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), saying it was an attempt to stifle free speech and silence dissent in the media. The NBC had, in a statement on Friday, cautioned broadcasters against presenting opinions as facts or intimidating guests, misuse of platforms and other code breaches ahead of the…
Nigeria tightens media rules ahead of 2027 election - The Press United
The measure has drawn criticism from the opposition and rights groups, who say it could curb free expression ahead of the vote Nigeria’s broadcast regulator has tightened the rules for radio and TV stations ahead of the West African nation’s 2027 general election, warning presenters against airing personal opinions, “bullying” guests, and broadcasting “divisive” political […] The post Nigeria tightens media rules ahead of 2027 election appeared …
Nigeria tightens media rules ahead of 2027 election
The measure has drawn criticism from the opposition and rights groups, who say it could curb free expression ahead of the vote Nigeria's broadcast regulator has tightened the rules for radio and TV stations ahead of the West African nation's 2027 general election, warning presenters against airing personal opinions,
Nigeria Journalists Union Accuses NBC of Weaponising Broadcast Rules
NewsGhana, Latest Updates and Breaking News of Ghana, News Ghana, https://www.newsghana.com.gh/nigeria-journalists-union-accuses-nbc-of-weaponising-broadcast-rules/The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has condemned a recent directive from the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), accusing the regulator of using broadcast rules as a political instrument to suppress editorial independence and silence the press. In a statement signed by its nat…
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