Amnesty International Nigeria has welcomed a Federal High Court decision stopping the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) from enforcing its proposed sanctions on media organisations, describing the move as a significant relief for press freedom.
The group made its position known in a statement posted on its X handle @AmnestyNigeria on Wednesday, May 6, following the interim order granted in Lagos.
Justice Daniel Osiagor had on Monday, May 5, 2026, directed the NBC to suspend its “Formal Notice” issued on May 2, pending the outcome of the suit challenging the directive.
The notice had outlined penalties for broadcasters accused of presenting opinions as facts, intimidating programme guests, or failing to maintain neutrality in their content.
Amnesty raised concerns over the directive, warning that its broad wording leaves room for misuse and could discourage critical reporting across the media space.
“The ruling by Justice Daniel Osiagor marks an important step toward protecting freedom of expression and media independence in Nigeria.
“The NBC directive, seeking to sanction broadcasters for expressing opinions as facts, intimidating guests, or failing to maintain neutrality, is vague, open to abuse, and risks silencing critical voices,” NGO said.
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While acknowledging the immediate relief provided by the court order, the organisation noted that the ruling is temporary and does not resolve the core legal issues surrounding the NBC’s action.
It therefore urged the commission to withdraw the notice completely and avoid introducing similar measures that may undermine press freedom.
“While the ruling provides immediate relief, it is not a final judgment, and the threat posed by the notice remains.
“Amnesty International Nigeria calls on the NBC @nbcgovng to withdraw the ‘Formal Notice’ in full and refrain from enforcing similar measures that undermine constitutional and international guarantees of freedom of expression.
“Authorities must ensure that journalists and broadcasters can carry out their work without intimidation or undue interference,” they added.
The court has fixed June 1, 2026, for the hearing of the motion on notice in the case.