Human rights organisation Amnesty International has strongly criticised a recent directive issued by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), describing it as an unlawful and repressive attempt to silence journalists and restrict media freedom.
The directive, titled “formal notice to broadcasters” and dated April 17, 2026, reportedly targets political programming, including anchors of current affairs and political shows. According to Amnesty International, the move imposes “unduly restrictive and invasive controls” on media operations.
In a statement, the organisation said the NBC, “has no power or right to dictate how journalists carry out their professional duties,” warning that the directive appears designed to pressure media houses into self-censorship.
“The bizarre notice issued by NBC is an attempt to pressure journalists and media organisations into silence,” Amnesty said, stressing that Nigeria’s broadcast media plays a critical role in enabling citizens to “freely seek, debate, receive and impart information and ideas.”
The group referenced international legal frameworks, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which guarantee freedom of expression and access to information.
Amnesty International further accused Nigerian authorities of using the NBC as a tool to suppress independent journalism, calling for an immediate halt to what it described as “an unrelenting quest to silence journalists and media organisations.”
“The latest threat issued by NBC is authoritarian and unconstitutional,” the statement added.
The organisation urged broadcasters across the country to remain resolute. “Journalists must continue doing their job fiercely and independently, without fear,” it said.
The NBC has yet to publicly respond to the criticism.
