- The organisations further maintained that the Constitution remains the highest law in the country
- The groups added that the threat of sanctions may pressure journalists into self-censorship
- The legal team representing the applicants is led by Femi Falana, while a hearing date has yet to be scheduled
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) have taken legal action against the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), challenging what they describe as an unlawful move to penalise broadcasters and presenters.
In a joint statement issued on Sunday by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, and NGE General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, the groups confirmed filing the suit at the Federal High Court in Lagos on April 24, 2026, Eko Hot Blog reports.
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The case, marked FHC/L/CS/854/2026, contests a recent NBC directive cautioning media outlets against presenting opinions as facts, intimidating guests, or failing to remain neutral during broadcasts.
SERAP and NGE argue that sections of the 6th Edition of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, which the NBC relies on, are unclear and excessively broad, thereby violating constitutional protections for free expression and press freedom.
According to the plaintiffs, journalism naturally involves analysis and commentary, stressing that the right to share ideas also covers opinions.
They warned that enforcing such provisions could punish broadcasters simply for performing their professional duties.
The organisations further maintained that the Constitution remains the highest law in the country, insisting that subsidiary regulations like the Broadcasting Code cannot override fundamental rights or exceed their legal boundaries.
They also cautioned that the NBC’s stance could limit open debate, particularly as the 2027 general elections approach, by restricting access to diverse viewpoints and discouraging robust public discourse.
The groups added that the threat of sanctions may pressure journalists into self-censorship, weakening the media’s role in holding power accountable.
Among the reliefs sought, SERAP and NGE are asking the court to declare certain provisions of the code unconstitutional and to stop the NBC from enforcing penalties based on them.
The legal team representing the applicants is led by Femi Falana, while a hearing date has yet to be scheduled.
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