The IFJ has warned the National Broadcasting Commission of Nigeria (NBC), the broadcast regulator in Nigeria, that any form of high-handedness in imposing broadcast policies and regulatory restrictions that do not align with internationally recognized standards will be deemed a direct assault on media freedom, freedom of expression and the people’s right to information.
Ahead of Nigeria’s General elections to take place in February 2027, the NBC issued a press release on 17 April, claiming it had identified a “sustained increase in breaches” of the Broadcasting Code in news, current affairs programmes and political programme. The regulator called for mandatory compliance from all radio and television stations in Nigeria demanding presenters to refrain from expressing their opinions on programmes as a matter of professional standard. The NBC also reminded broadcasters of principles of ‘fairness, balance and accuracy”.
While the need to respect journalism ethics in times of elections is crucial, the IFJ is concerned about the NBC’s wording that could potentially threaten press freedom and be subject to interpretation, and risks undermining journalists’ work. “Which criteria determines whether a piece of news has led to “public disorder?” asks the Federation.
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IFJ General Secretary, Anthony Bellanger, said that compliance with ethical issues in the media industry is sacrosanct, and that journalists and media workers across the globe have an obligation to adhere to these principles in line with the IFJ Global Charter of Ethics for Journalists. However, “restrictive threats and punitive measures that are not in line with internationally recognised standards are unacceptable, as they set a dangerous precedent for media freedom and freedom of expression. We remind NBC that the rights of citizens to seek, receive and impart information must be guaranteed and respected.
