Amnesty International has condemned a recent directive issued by Nigeria’s National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), characterizing 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, specifically targets political programming, including the anchors of current affairs and political shows. Amnesty International described these measures as imposing “unduly restrictive and invasive controls” on media operations.
In a statement, the organization asserted that the NBC “has no power or right to dictate how journalists carry out their professional duties.” It warned that the directive seems designed to pressure media houses into self-censorship. Amnesty emphasized that the notice issued by the NBC represents an effort to intimidate journalists and media organizations into silence. The group highlighted the essential role of Nigeria’s broadcast media in enabling citizens to “freely seek, debate, receive, and impart information and ideas.”
Amnesty International referenced international legal frameworks, such as the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, both of which guarantee freedom of expression and access to information. The organization further accused Nigerian authorities of using the NBC as a tool to suppress independent journalism, calling for an immediate halt to what it termed “an unrelenting quest to silence journalists and media organizations.”
“The latest threat issued by the NBC is authoritarian and unconstitutional,” the statement added. Amnesty urged broadcasters throughout the country to remain steadfast, asserting that “journalists must continue doing their job fiercely and independently, without fear.” As of now, the NBC has not publicly responded to the criticism.
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