IPC Warns NBC Against Silencing Broadcasters’ On-Air Analysis
Princess-Ekwi Ajide
In every democracy, the strength of the media lies not only in reporting facts but also in helping citizens understand the meaning of those facts. When analysis is muted, public accountability often suffers.
The International Press Centre (IPC) has raised fresh concerns over what it describes as restrictive provisions in the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) Code, warning that recent directives to broadcasters could weaken press freedom and democratic accountability in Nigeria.
In a statement issued in Lagos on April 28, 2026, IPC criticised an April 17 notice by NBC accusing broadcasters of breaching provisions relating to news, current affairs, and political programming.
The notice reportedly focused on presenter professionalism and the alleged misuse of broadcast platforms by political actors, while placing media organisations on formal notice of strict enforcement and possible sanctions for violations.
IPC expressed particular concern over Section 1.10.3 of the NBC Code, which prohibits presenters and anchors from expressing personal opinions on air.
According to the organisation, although the provision is meant to ensure neutrality, it could suppress journalistic interpretation, analysis, and contextual reporting.
The centre also noted that several other sections of the Code are too broadly worded and could be used to limit investigative journalism, discourage legitimate criticism, and promote self-censorship among broadcasters.
Executive Director of IPC, Lanre Arogundade, said journalists remain central to informing citizens, scrutinising power, and helping the public make informed democratic choices.
He warned that restrictions on opinion and analysis in political broadcasting could reduce the quality of public discourse, worsen information disorder, heighten electoral tensions, and even increase risks to journalists’ safety.
Arogundade stressed that Nigeria’s current socio-political realities, including insecurity, poverty, infrastructure deficits, and recurring electoral disputes—make access to accurate information and independent journalism even more critical.
While supporting professional broadcasting standards and efforts to curb hate speech and misinformation, IPC urged NBC to review vague provisions in the Code, protect editorial independence, strengthen safeguards for journalists, and avoid turning media regulation into an instrument of control.
The organisation also called on government, regulators, and electoral stakeholders to avoid actions capable of criminalising journalism or weakening the democratic role of the press.
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