NUJ, Amnesty Int, Atiku Condemn NBC Attempt To Gag Media

By Ayodele Oni

​The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Amnesty International and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, have flayed the attempt by the National Broadcasting Commission, (NBC), to muzzle the Media with  its latest directive.

The NUJ, in a statement signed by Achike Chude, National Secretary, stated that the April 17 “formal notice” by NBC

threatens broadcasters with “strict and uncompromised compliance” over vague allegations of professionalism breaches, “is nothing short of a veiled attempt to gag the media and institutionalize censorship.

“The NBC’s warning against anchors expressing ‘personal opinions’ and its demand for a ‘crisis-free’ presentation style are 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. To strip presenters of their right to analyze and contextualize news is to reduce the Nigerian media to a mere mouthpiece.

“By classifying these perceived “offenses” as Class B breaches—punishable by heavy fines or suspension—the NBC is creating a ‘chilling effect.’

“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.

“We remind the NBC that Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution guarantees the freedom of expression, including the freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference.

“The NBC Code cannot and must not be used to override the supreme law of the land.

“The NUJ stands in full solidarity with all broadcast stations and journalists across the country. We will not sit idly by while the civic space is constricted under the guise of “regulation.”

Amnesty International slammed the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC)’s new controversial directive, describing it an “outrageous and desperate” attempt to gag journalists and curb media freedom.

Reacting to the NBC’s ‘formal notice to broadcasters’ dated April 17, 2026, the global rights organisation said the Commission lacks the authority to dictate operational methods of journalists in carrying out their professional duties.

The statement by Amnesty International asserted that the notice, which targets political analysis and current affairs programming, serves as an authoritarian attempt to force media houses into self-censorship ahead of the 2027 general elections.

While warning against the imposition of “unduly restrictive and invasive controls” on the media landscape, the global organisation argued that such actions threaten press freedom and democratic accountability in the country.

According to the statement signed by the Executive Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, Isa Sanusi, “Nigeria’s vibrant broadcast media, whose editorial content is independent, enable people to freely seek, debate, receive and impart information and ideas as envisaged by the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights”.

Reacting via his X (formerly Twitter) account, Atiku pointed out that the directive reflects a pattern of “heavy-handed” interventions by the commission, particularly during election cycles.

He argued that such actions risk undermining Nigeria’s democratic values and shrinking the space for free expression.

“I stand firmly with Nigeria’s broadcast industry and all media platforms resisting this creeping censorship,” he stated, adding that ethical journalism should not be selectively enforced as a political tool.

Atiku further suggested that the timing of the directive raises concerns about a broader attempt to control public discourse rather than ensure a transparent electoral process.