By George Omagbemi Sylvester
A Federal High Court in Lagos has restrained the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) from sanctioning broadcasters over issues relating to expression of opinions, neutrality, and treatment of guests.
The order was issued on May 6, 2026, by Justice Daniel Osiagor following a suit filed by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors. The applicants challenged the legality of the NBC’s directive, describing it as unconstitutional.
The court directed the NBC not to enforce the contested provisions of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code pending the determination of the suit. It also fixed June 1, 2026, for further hearing.
SERAP and its co-applicant argued that the provisions amount to prior censorship and violate the right to freedom of expression as guaranteed under Nigerian law.
The NBC is yet to issue an official response to the ruling as of the time of filing this report.
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