Category: Media

NBC appeals court order protecting TV stations, presenters from sanctions 

Aminu Imam
NBC appeals court order

Nigeria’s National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has filed an appeal against a recent ruling of the Federal High Court in Lagos which restrained the commission from using controversial provisions of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code to threaten, sanction, punish or fine broadcast stations and presenters over alleged “expression of personal opinions as facts”, “bullying or intimidating guests”, or failure to maintain “neutrality”. The development has triggered renewed concerns over shrinking civic space, press freedom and freedom of expression in Nigeria, especially amid growing criticism that the NBC is attempting to impose excessive…

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Court stops NBC from punishing broadcasters over opinions, neutrality rules

Aminu Imam
Court stops NBC

A Federal High Court in Lagos has, in a ruling, stopped the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) from using its recently issued ‘Formal Notice’ to threaten, sanction or punish broadcast stations and presenters for expressing personal opinions as facts, bullying or intimidating guests, or failing to maintain neutrality. Recall that Justice Daniel Osiagor on Monday granted an order of interim injunction following arguments on an ex-parte Motion filed by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE). The case was argued on behalf of SERAP…

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World Press Freedom Day: “Nigeria can’t thrive without independent media” – IBAN warns

Aminu Imam
IBAN warns

The Independent Broadcasting Association of Nigeria (IBAN) has stressed that Nigeria’s democratic future depends largely on the protection of a free, independent and responsible press. In an issued statement marking the 2026 World Press Freedom Day, Chairman of IBAN, Alhaji (Dr.) Ahmed Tijjani Ramalan, described independent media as a cornerstone of democracy and a critical instrument for ensuring accountability, building public trust and promoting national unity. Ramalan reaffirmed the association’s commitment to defending press freedom and supporting pluralistic, high-quality journalism amid growing challenges confronting media organisations and practitioners across the…

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2027: NBC cracks down on broadcasters over rising code violations 

Aminu Imam
NBC cracks down on broadcasters

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has issued a formal notice to broadcasters across Nigeria, warning of stricter enforcement measures following a surge in violations of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, particularly in news, current affairs, and political programmes. In a press statement issued yesterday dated April 17, 2026, the Commission said it had observed a sustained increase in breaches of the 6th Edition of the Code, raising concerns about declining professional standards in the industry. According to the NBC, many broadcast platforms are straying from their core responsibility of delivering accurate,…

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2027: “Most dangerous weapon against polls will be lies amplified by media” – Amupitan

Aminu Imam
Amupitan on 2027 polls

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, has warned that misinformation amplified by the media could pose the greatest threat to Nigeria’s 2027 general election. Speaking at the 81st general assembly of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BoN) in Abuja yesterday, Amupitan said elections are increasingly being decided in the “information space”, making the role of broadcasters critical to democratic integrity. The INEC chairman described the airwaves as “the primary infrastructure of our democracy,” and warned that misinformation, hate speech, and unequal access to media platforms could…

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“Tinubu working on easing media challenges; watching events nationwide” – Info. Minister

Aminu Imam
Info Minister on Asiwaju

Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, has said that President Bola Tinubu was putting the final touches on how to address the challenges facing the media industry in the country. The Minister said this on Sunday, at an interaction with newsmen in Lagos after a meeting with the President. He disclosed that he was in Lagos to brief Tinubu on Easter break on his invitation, Idris said: “What I can say is that Mr. President has the media industry in mind. He said: “One of the first questions he asked me…

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Alleged cultural, religious violations: Court fixes May 18 for hearing in suit against Arewa24, NBC 

Aminu Imam
Court on suit against Arewa24, NBC 

The Federal High Court in Kano has fixed May 18, 2026, for the hearing of a suit filed by the Islamic Research and Da’awa Foundation, Abuja, against Arewa24 Television and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) over alleged violations of Islamic and Hausa cultural values. The Foundation is challenging the content of certain programmes aired by Arewa24, which it claims are inconsistent with Islamic teachings and the cultural norms of Hausa society. It also alleges breaches of the NBC Broadcasting Code, particularly in relation to decency and public morality. In the…

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Appeal Court upholds ban on NBC’s power to fine broadcast stations

Aminu Imam
A'Court on NBC

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has dismissed the appeal filed by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) against the judgement barring it from imposing fines on broadcast stations. Oyejoju Oyewumi, who led the three-member panel, yesterday ruled that the NBC’s appeal lacked merit. Other justices on the panel are Abba Bello Mohammed and Donatus Uwaezuoke Okorowo. In a unanimous verdict, Oyewumi held that the NBC cannot challenge the judgement at the court of appeal, having failed to contest the suit at the federal high court. Recall that on March 1,…

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BoN to honour prominent industry veterans at 2nd edition of its Awards

Aminu Imam
BoN to honour industry veterans

…Dokpesi, Ityohegh, others get posthumous awards The Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BoN) has announced plans to honour prominent industry veterans at the 2nd edition of The Nigeria Broadcasting Awards (TNBA), scheduled for April 8, 2026, in Abuja. According to information from BoN regarding the upcoming 2025 event, notable media personalities, including former NTA Director-General Vincent Maduka, veteran broadcaster Yemi Farounbi, Channels TV founder John Momoh, and renowned broadcaster Bimbo Oloyede, are among those recognized for their immense contributions to the growth of broadcasting in Nigeria. BON, in an issued statement…

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Alleged Distortion of Islamic, Hausa Cultural Values: Court to hear suit against AREWA24, NBC today in Kano

Aminu Imam
Court on AREWA24, NBC

Aminu Imam The Federal High Court sitting in Kano is set to hear a suit today Wednesday, filed by the Islamic Research and Da’awa Foundation, Abuja, against Network AREWA24 Limited and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC). The case, Islamic Research and Da’awa Foundation, Abuja vs. Network AREWA24 Ltd. & NBC, centres on allegations that certain Hausa-language programmes aired by AREWA24 contravene established broadcasting standards and undermine Islamic principles as well as Hausa cultural values. In its originating processes, the plaintiff alleges what it described as the “bastardisation” and misrepresentation of…

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