The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Bola Tinubu to immediately order the withdrawal of a recent directive issued by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), describing it as unlawful and a threat to press freedom in Nigeria.

In a letter dated April 18, 2026, and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation called on the President to direct the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, and the NBC to reverse what it described as a restrictive notice.

SERAP warned that the directive represents “a dangerous attempt to impose prior censorship on the media and suppress legitimate journalistic expression,” insisting that it violates constitutional guarantees of free speech.

The group further urged the federal government to refrain from imposing prior censorship on journalists and broadcast stations, stressing the need to allow media practitioners to carry out their constitutional duties without interference.

The controversy stems from a notice issued by the National Broadcasting Commission on April 17, 2026, which cited increasing breaches of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code. The NBC had warned broadcasters against practices such as airing personal opinions, intimidating guests, and failing to maintain neutrality.

However, SERAP dismissed these provisions as vague, overly broad, and unconstitutional, arguing that they conflict with both domestic and international human rights standards.

According to the organisation, “The Nigerian Constitution and international human rights law protect both the absolute right to hold opinions and the qualified right to express ideas of all kinds.”

It also criticised Section 1.10.3 of the Broadcasting Code, stating that it amounts to prior restraint that undermines commentary, analysis, and value judgments—key elements of journalism and democratic engagement.

SERAP warned that such regulatory measures could create a chilling effect on journalists and broadcasters, especially ahead of the 2027 general elections, where media freedom is considered critical.

“The threat of sanctions for broadly defined conduct risks arbitrary enforcement and could suppress critical reporting,” the organisation said.

The rights group gave the federal government a 48-hour ultimatum to respond, warning that failure to act may lead to legal action.

“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 48 hours. If we do not hear from your government and the NBC, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal steps to compel compliance,” it stated.

SERAP also called for urgent amendments to sections of the Broadcasting Code to align with constitutional protections and global standards on freedom of expression.