MRA Commends NBC’s Guidance to Broadcasters Ahead of 2027 Elections, Raises Concerns over Restrictive Provisions

Media Rights Agenda (MRA) today commended the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) for its timely and proactive issuance of guidance to broadcasters ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 General Elections, aimed at promoting professionalism, ethical conduct, and compliance with broadcasting standards.

It, however, expressed concern over vague and undefined words and phrases in the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, which the NBC referenced in its statement, saying they could be misinterpreted or misapplied with unintended consequences for freedom of expression and media independence.

In its notice to broadcasters dated April 17, 2026, the Commission highlighted growing concerns about breaches of the Code in news, current affairs, and political programming, and underscored the need for accuracy, fairness, balance, and professionalism in broadcast content as the country approaches a critical electoral period.

In a statement by its Executive Director, Mr. Edetaen Ojo, MRA welcomed the intervention as a necessary step to encourage responsible journalism and mitigate the risks of misinformation, hate speech, and incitement, which can undermine democratic processes and social cohesion.

Mr. Ojo said although MRA acknowledges the importance of upholding professional standards, the organization is concerned about certain aspects of the Commission’s statement and the Broadcasting Code, which the NBC referenced in the statement, arguing that they could be used to undermine freedom of expression, media freedom and independence.

In particular, he expressed concern about the directive that broadcasters should ensure that presenters do not express personal opinions in programmes as a matter of professional standard, as referenced in the NBC’s citation of Section 1.10.3 of the Code.

According to him, “although professionalism and impartiality are important, a blanket restriction on presenters’ expression of opinions risks undermining legitimate journalistic formats, such as analysis, commentary, and other forms of editorial programming, which are integral to democratic discourse. It also potentially violates the right to freedom of expression, including the freedom to hold opinions, guaranteed by Section 39 of the Constitution and various international instruments.”

Mr. Ojo argued that the prohibition of opinions in broadcast content as a professional issue can only be limited to news bulletins and not all programming as the NBC’s statement and the Broadcasting Code appear to be suggesting.

Similarly, he said, provisions emphasizing that “all sides to an issue are equitably presented,” including the preference that such perspectives be aired within the same broadcast, while well-intentioned, may be impractical in certain editorial contexts and could inadvertently constrain editorial judgment and programming flexibility.

Mr. Ojo also expressed concern over the broad and vague framing of restrictions relating to “divisive materials” or content that may “compromise the indivisibility” of Nigeria, saying that without clear definitions and safeguards, such provisions risk being interpreted in ways that could suppress legitimate public debate, dissenting views, and critical reporting.

Similarly, he said, the NBC’s warning to broadcast stations against bullying or intimidation of guests without a clear and proper definition of what constitutes bullying or intimidation creates avenues for abuse, as broadcasters asking hard questions of their guests, particularly public officials, as part of the media’s constitutional duty to hold them accountable, could easily be mischaracterized as bullying or intimidation.

Mr. Ojo noted that although the Commission is right to caution against hate speech, incitement, and the misuse of broadcast platforms by political actors, as highlighted in its notice, it needs to ensure that its regulatory measures and language are precise, proportionate, and consistent with constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression and media freedom.

He therefore called on the NBC to clarify and refine ambiguous provisions to prevent arbitrary or overly broad interpretation; recognize and protect legitimate journalistic formats, including analysis and opinion programming; engage broadcasters, media professionals, and civil society actors in dialogue to ensure a balanced and effective regulation; and uphold international standards on freedom of expression while enforcing professional ethics.

Mr. Ojo stressed that as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, a free, independent, and professional media is indispensable to credible elections and democratic accountability, adding that regulatory efforts must therefore strike a careful balance between promoting ethical standards and safeguarding fundamental rights.

He said MRA remained committed to working with the NBC and other stakeholders to support a media environment that is professional, free and independent.

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