By Daily Review Online
A Federal High Court has restrained the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) from sanctioning broadcast stations and presenters for expressing opinions, in a ruling seen as a boost for media freedom in Nigeria.
The court order followed a lawsuit filed by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), challenging a directive issued by the NBC. The directive had threatened sanctions against broadcasters accused of expressing personal opinions as facts, intimidating guests, or failing to maintain neutrality on air.
In granting the interim relief, the court barred the NBC from enforcing the contested provisions of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code pending the determination of the substantive suit. The plaintiffs had argued that the commission’s directive was vague, overly broad, and inconsistent with constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression.
The court also held that journalists are entitled to express opinions, analysis, and commentary as part of their professional duties, stressing that such expressions fall within the scope of protected speech under Nigerian law and international human rights standards.
The case stems from growing tensions between media organisations and the NBC, which recently moved to tighten broadcast regulations ahead of the 2027 general elections, citing concerns over professionalism and the spread of divisive content. Critics, however, argue that such measures risk suppressing legitimate journalistic expression and shrinking civic space.
The ruling effectively halts the NBC’s planned enforcement actions until the court fully determines whether the relevant sections of the broadcasting code are lawful.