Amnesty International has condemned what it describes as the latest outrageous and desperate attempt by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to gag journalists and the media through unlawful and repressive ‘formal notice to broadcasters’ dated 17 April 2026.
Amnesty in a press release signed by Michael Christian theSocial Media and Communications Officer stated that the commission has no power or right to tell journalists how to do their job.
The International Organization in a press release stated that the notice which targets political broadcasts and anchors of current affairs and political programmes places unduly restrictive and invasive controls on the media and journalists.
“The bizarre notice issued by NBC is an attempt to pressure journalists and media organizations into self-censorship.
“Nigeria’s vibrant broadcast media whose editorial content is independent enable people to freely seek, debate, receive and impart information and ideas as envisaged by the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,” said Isa Sanusi Executive Director Amnesty International Nigeria
“The Nigerian authorities must stop using the NBC in an unrelenting quest to silence journalists and the media organizations that are crucial to ensuring independent and diverse media space that fulfill people’s right to information.”
“The latest threat issued by NBC is authoritarian and unconstitutional.
Broadcasters must continue doing their job fiercely and independently without fear, ” Sanusi said.