SERAP and NGE sue NBC over alleged unconstitutional threats to broadcasters
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project SERAP and the Nigerian Guild of Editors NGE have filed a lawsuit against the National Broadcasting Commission NBC, challenging its alleged “arbitrary, unconstitutional, and unlawful” threats to sanction broadcast stations and presenters. The suit, filed at the Federal High Court in Lagos on April 24, 2026, contests the NBC’s directive warning broadcasters against “expressing personal opinions as facts,” “bullying or intimidating guests,” and failing to maintain neutrality. SERAP Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, and General Secretary of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Onuoha Ukeh, jointly signed a statement announcing the legal action. The groups argue that the provisions of the 6th Edition of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, which the NBC relies upon, are “vague and overly broad” and infringe upon freedom of expression and media freedom guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution. They contend that journalistic work inherently includes opinion, commentary, and analysis, which are central to professional standards and democratic discourse. The plaintiffs assert that the Nigerian Constitution is the supreme law, and any inconsistent subsidiary legislation, like the Broadcasting Code, is null and void. They warn that the NBC’s approach could stifle media freedom, lead to self-censorship, and undermine Nigerians’ democratic rights to diverse information, especially ahead of the 2027 general elections. SERAP and NGE are seeking a d
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