The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project and the Nigerian Guild of Editors have taken the National Broadcasting Commission to court over its warning to sanction broadcasters and presenters, arguing that the move threatens media freedom and constitutional rights.
The suit was filed at the Federal High Court in Lagos on April 24, 2026, following the commission’s directive cautioning broadcast stations over issues relating to neutrality, conduct of presenters and the expression of opinions during programmes.
According to the groups, the legal action is aimed at challenging sections of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code relied upon by the commission, which they believe could be used to restrict press freedom and interfere with the work of journalists and media organisations.
They argued that some provisions being enforced by the commission are too broad and could be used to punish broadcasters for carrying out legitimate professional duties, including commentary, analysis and public-interest reporting.
The groups also maintained that journalism naturally includes interpretation and opinion and that restricting such content could weaken public debate and limit citizens’ access to diverse views.
They told the court that allowing the sanctions threat to stand could create fear among broadcasters and push many media houses toward self-censorship, especially as the country moves closer to the 2027 elections.
Another concern raised in the case is that the commission’s position could affect democratic participation by narrowing the range of political views available to the public at a time open discussion is vital.
SERAP and the editors’ body are asking the court to declare parts of the Broadcasting Code unconstitutional and stop the NBC from imposing sanctions based on those provisions.
They also argued that subsidiary regulations cannot override constitutional protections and said any rule inconsistent with those protections should not stand.
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana is leading the legal team for the plaintiffs in the matter, though a hearing date has not yet been fixed.
The case has drawn attention because it touches on the relationship between regulation and press freedom, a subject that often raises debate in the media and political space.
With the lawsuit now before the court, the dispute is likely to test the limits of broadcasting regulation and free expression in Nigeria, especially ahead of another election cycle.