The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has strongly criticised a recent directive issued by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), describing it as a troubling move that could undermine media freedom and impose subtle censorship on broadcast journalism across the country.
The controversy stems from a warning earlier issued by the NBC to television and radio broadcasters over what it described as a rising trend of violations of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code. According to the regulatory body, concerns have been mounting particularly in the areas of news presentation and political programming, where some on-air personalities were allegedly blurring the line between factual reporting and personal opinion.
In its advisory, the commission cautioned that presenters who present subjective views as established facts, or those who engage in what it termed as the intimidation of guests during live programmes, could face disciplinary action. These sanctions, the NBC noted, may include fines, suspension of programmes, or other regulatory penalties depending on the severity of the infraction.
However, the NUJ has rejected the directive in strong terms. In a statement signed by its National Secretary, Achike Chude, the union said it received the NBC’s position with “grave concern and utter disappointment,” arguing that the directive raises fundamental questions about editorial independence and the role of regulatory oversight in a democratic society.
The union maintained that journalism—particularly in the domain of current affairs, political discourse, and public policy analysis—cannot function effectively without room for critical engagement, interpretation, and contextual analysis. It warned that any attempt to restrict presenters from interrogating issues or challenging narratives risks reducing the media to what it described as “a mere mouthpiece” rather than an institution that informs, educates, and holds power accountable.
According to the NUJ, the strength of broadcast journalism lies in its ability to foster open debate and provide a platform where diverse viewpoints can be expressed and scrutinised. It argued that presenters must retain the professional latitude to question public officials, analyse policy decisions, and guide discussions in ways that help audiences better understand complex issues.
The union also raised concerns about what it described as vague and potentially subjective provisions within the NBC’s regulatory framework. Specifically, it questioned the classification of certain on-air conduct as “Class B breaches,” noting that the lack of precise definitions could lead to arbitrary enforcement.
Such ambiguity, the NUJ warned, creates an environment where journalists may begin to self-censor in order to avoid sanctions. The fear of fines or programme suspension, it said, could discourage broadcasters from asking probing questions or engaging in robust debate, particularly on politically sensitive issues.
“This kind of regulatory posture,” the union suggested, “risks fostering a climate of fear rather than professionalism,” where journalists may prioritise caution over truth-telling. It added that the unintended consequence could be a weakened media landscape, where critical voices are muted and public discourse becomes less vibrant.
The NUJ further alleged that there are growing perceptions that regulatory mechanisms are increasingly being deployed in ways that could serve political interests, rather than strictly professional or ethical standards. While not accusing the NBC directly of partisanship, the union cautioned that such perceptions, if left unaddressed, could erode public trust in both the regulator and the media it oversees.
In reinforcing its position, the union cited Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees the right to freedom of expression, including the freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart information without interference. The NUJ argued that any regulatory framework governing the media must operate within the bounds of constitutional protections and should not be used to curtail fundamental rights.
It stressed that while professional standards and ethical guidelines are essential in maintaining credibility and public trust, such standards must be clearly defined, fairly enforced, and not used as instruments of suppression. According to the union, there is a critical distinction between ensuring responsible journalism and restricting legitimate expression.
The NUJ also acknowledged the need for journalists to maintain high professional standards, including accuracy, fairness, and respect for diverse viewpoints. However, it insisted that these standards should not be interpreted in a way that stifles investigative reporting or discourages journalists from holding those in authority accountable.
Calling on its members nationwide, the union urged journalists to remain steadfast in their commitment to ethical and courageous reporting. It emphasised that the primary duty of the media is to serve the public interest, provide accurate information, and act as a watchdog over government and other centres of power.
The union warned that any attempt—whether overt or subtle—to silence or intimidate the press poses a direct threat to Nigeria’s democratic framework. A vibrant and independent media, it noted, is essential for transparency, accountability, and informed citizen participation.
As debates continue over the NBC directive, stakeholders across the media landscape are expected to engage in further dialogue on how best to balance regulatory oversight with the preservation of press freedom. For now, the NUJ’s position underscores a broader concern within the journalism community: that safeguarding freedom of expression remains central to the health and sustainability of Nigeria’s democracy.
