Nigeria’s Media Crackdown: Defying Courts, Silencing Critics, and the Fight for Free Speech

By Farishta Maqbool

A government that criminalizes opinions and restricts freedom of expression may not be afraid of violence; it may be afraid of being criticized for what it has failed to do as its priority.

On 17th April 2026, Nigeria’s Broadcast Commission (NBC) issued a formal notice that it would strictly enforce the 6th Edition of Nigeria’s Broadcasting Code against a TV and radio presenter, preventing them from expressing opinion on radio or television, which they describe as bullying or intimidating guests or spreading divisive content. Violations are classified as Class B breaches, which means that it is punishable by fines and licence suspensions.

NBC was created in 1992 with the main purpose of focusing on technical matters like issuing licenses and managing frequencies. However, things started to change during President Buhari's administration from 2015 to 2023. The institute started fining stations for reporting on different issues and imposing fines for vaguely defined hate speech.

Another more important concern is that Nigeria’s courts have given rulings several times that NBC cannot impose fines or sanctions. Despite having lost in court multiple times, the NBC issued the new directive anyway, threatening the same punishments that the courts have said it cannot impose. On 4th May 2026, the Federal High Court in Lagos granted an interim injunction restraining the NBC from enforcing its directive pending the determination of a substantive suit filed by SERAP and the Nigerian Guild of Editors.

Moving forward, another part of the issue is that it doesn’t impose fines or sanctions on other online platforms like Twitter, YouTube, TikTok, but only on TV and radio broadcasting. Most of the people from rural areas rely on TV and radio as their only source of information; they will not be able to get authentic news. People will also struggle to trust any news on any of these platforms.

Observers have also noted a clear pattern. Every time elections approach, the NBC tightens its rules. This happened in 2019, when the NBC fined 45 stations, though those fines were later thrown out by the courts. It happened again in 2023, when NBC threatened license revocations. Now, ahead of the 2027 elections, the commission has issued this new directive. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called this a pattern, stating that ethical standards in journalism should not be seasonal tools weaponized during campaigns.

To appreciate why this directive has sparked controversy, it helps to look back at Nigeria’s long relationship with press freedom. Although freedom of expression is constitutionally protected under Section 39 of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the media landscape has historically navigated cycles of control. During military rule, from the 1960s until the 1990s, journalists were often arrested or silenced for criticizing the government. Even after Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, the country still faces challenges. For example, back in 2019, several Nigerian media houses were fined for broadcasting political content deemed harmful to national security.

This decision has stirred a lot of controversy. Some believe it is necessary to reduce hate speech. But for many others, the ban feels like a harsh restriction on the media’s ability to challenge the government. Atiku Abubakar publicly condemned the move as an attempt to “muzzle the media”. Rights groups such as SERAP and Amnesty International have echoed this concern, describing the directive as unlawful. SERAP has urged President Bola Tinubu to direct the NBC to immediately withdraw the “unlawful” formal notice.

From a perspective that values personal freedom, NBC’s directive is troubling. While the intent may be to curb hate speech, it risks undermining free speech. Robust and independent media play a vital role in holding governments accountable. When restrictions are placed on what can be debated, it creates a culture of silence where only one narrative dominates. When media outlets are censored, it becomes harder for citizens to understand the issues affecting them. This doesn’t just hurt democracy; it stifles progress and limits the exchange of ideas.

We must remain vigilant in defending the freedoms that keep us informed and empowered.