The Nigeria Union of Journalists has criticised a recent directive issued by the National Broadcasting Commission, warning that it could undermine press freedom and editorial independence.
The NBC had earlier raised concerns over what it described as increasing violations of the sixth edition of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code across news, current affairs and political programmes.
The commission cautioned that on-air personalities who present personal opinions as facts or intimidate guests during broadcasts would face sanctions.
However, in a statement issued on Monday, April 20, the NUJ, through its National Secretary, Achike Chude, described the directive as “a veiled attempt to gag the media and institutionalise censorship”.
The union stated that it received the NBC’s notice with “grave concern and utter disappointment”, arguing that the move poses a threat to free expression within Nigeria’s media landscape.
According to the NUJ, the commission’s stance on presenters expressing personal views, alongside its emphasis on a crisis-free broadcast style, amounts to “direct interference in the internal editorial processes of independent media houses”.
“Journalism, particularly in the realm of current affairs and political analysis, requires robust engagement,” the statement reads.
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“To strip presenters of their right to analyze and contextualize news is to reduce the Nigerian media to a mere mouthpiece.”
The union also expressed concern over what it termed vague regulatory provisions, noting that the classification of such conduct as “Class B breaches”, which attract penalties including fines or suspension, could discourage critical journalism.
“This regime of fear encourages self-censorship, where journalists are too afraid to ask tough questions for fear of being labeled ‘unprofessional’ or ‘hostile’ by a regulatory body that has increasingly become a political tool,” the statement added.
Citing constitutional backing, the NUJ reminded the commission that Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution guarantees the right to freedom of expression, including the liberty to hold opinions and share information without interference.
“The NBC Code cannot and must not be used to override the supreme law of the land. The government has a duty to ensure that regulatory agencies like the NBC are not weaponized against the media,” Chude said.
“We call on all journalists and broadcasters to remain resolute, professional, and fearless. Your duty is to the public and the truth, not to the whims of any regulatory agency.
“The media is the watchdog of society, not the lapdog of the government and opposition. Any attempt to break the screen or silence the microphone is an attack on Nigerian democracy itself.”