Federal High Court in Lagos on May 4, 2026, stopped the National Broadcasting Commission from penalising radio and television stations over parts of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, following a case filed by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project and the Nigerian Guild of Editors on April 24, 2026, over claims that the rules were unlawful.
Justice Daniel Osiagor gave the order after listening to an urgent request brought by the two groups. The court directed the commission, its staff, and agents not to enforce or apply the disputed sections of the code against any broadcast station until the court decides on the main application before it.
The ruling came after the NBC had issued a notice warning media houses against presenting opinions as facts, intimidating guests, or failing to remain neutral during programmes. The court’s decision has now put that directive on hold for the time being.SERAP and the editors’ group argued that the sections of the code being used by the commission are too broad and unclear, and that they go against the right to free expression guaranteed by law.
They also maintained that journalism naturally involves analysis and opinions, which are part of public discussion in a democratic society.The groups further told the court that if the commission was not restrained, it could continue to threaten stations and journalists, which might lead to fear and self-censorship in the media, especially as the country moves closer to the 2027 general elections.
They also argued that the broadcasting code, being a regulation, should not override the provisions of the Constitution or Nigeria’s obligations under international law.With the court order now in place, the NBC cannot take action against broadcasters based on the listed sections of the code until the case is fully heard.
The matter has been fixed for June 1, 2026, when the court will consider the next stage of the proceedings.