SERAP Issues Ultimatum to Tinubu Over NBC's 'Unlawful' Media Directive
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urgently called on President Bola Tinubu to order the immediate withdrawal of a recent directive issued by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), describing it as both unlawful and a significant threat to press freedom in Nigeria.
Formal Demand and Constitutional Concerns
In a formal letter dated April 18, 2026, and signed by Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, the prominent rights organization demanded that President Tinubu direct Information Minister Mohammed Idris and the NBC to reverse what SERAP characterizes as a restrictive and unconstitutional notice. The group warned that this directive represents "a dangerous attempt to impose prior censorship on the media and suppress legitimate journalistic expression," directly violating constitutional guarantees of free speech and expression.
SERAP further urged the federal government to completely refrain from imposing any form of prior censorship on journalists and broadcast stations, emphasizing the critical need to allow media practitioners to carry out their constitutional duties without political interference or regulatory overreach.
Background of the Controversial NBC Notice
The controversy originates from an official notice issued by the National Broadcasting Commission on April 17, 2026, which cited increasing breaches of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code. The NBC had specifically warned broadcasters against various practices including airing personal opinions, intimidating guests during programs, and failing to maintain proper neutrality in reporting.
However, SERAP has dismissed these provisions as vague, overly broad, and fundamentally unconstitutional, arguing that they conflict with both domestic constitutional protections and established international human rights standards. According to the organization's analysis, "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."
Specific Criticisms and Democratic Implications
The rights group particularly criticized Section 1.10.3 of the Broadcasting Code, stating that it effectively amounts to prior restraint that undermines essential elements of journalism including commentary, analysis, and value judgments—all crucial components of democratic engagement and public discourse.
SERAP expressed serious concern that such regulatory measures could create a chilling effect on journalists and broadcasters, especially with the 2027 general elections approaching, when media freedom is considered particularly critical for transparent democratic processes. "The threat of sanctions for broadly defined conduct risks arbitrary enforcement and could suppress critical reporting," the organization cautioned in its detailed assessment.
Ultimatum and Potential Legal Action
The rights organization has given the federal government a strict 48-hour ultimatum to respond to their demands, warning that failure to take appropriate action may lead to immediate legal proceedings. "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," the letter stated unequivocally.
Additionally, SERAP called for urgent amendments to specific sections of the Broadcasting Code to ensure alignment with constitutional protections and global standards on freedom of expression, arguing that current provisions undermine Nigeria's democratic foundations and international human rights commitments.
