A Federal High Court in Lagos has drawn a firm line against the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), stopping the regulator from sanctioning or threatening broadcast stations and presenters over the expression of personal opinions.
Justice Daniel Osiagor issued the order while restraining the NBC from relying on its recently released “Formal Notice” to punish broadcasters for allegedly presenting opinions as facts, intimidating guests, or failing to maintain neutrality on air.
The interim injunction followed an ex parte application filed by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), who challenged the legality of the NBC’s directive.
In April 2026, the NBC had issued a warning citing rising violations of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code across news and political programmes, stating that presenters who blur the line between opinion and fact or engage in on-air intimidation would face sanctions.
But SERAP and NGE argued in court that the directive amounted to an unlawful attempt to restrict free expression and penalise broadcasters for exercising editorial judgment or personal opinion.
They also asked the court to determine whether parts of the Broadcasting Code used by the NBC violate Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution and international human rights standards.
Delivering his ruling, Justice Osiagor ordered that the NBC, its officials, agents, or any representatives must not impose fines, sanctions, or any penalties on broadcast stations under the contested provisions of the 6th Edition of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, pending the determination of the main suit.
The case has been adjourned to June 1, 2026, for hearing of the motion on notice.
