Nigeria’s broadcast regulator has moved to tighten oversight of radio and television content ahead of the 2027 general elections, banning presenters from expressing personal opinions or airing divisive political material.
In a directive issued last week, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) said it would strictly enforce provisions of the country’s broadcasting code, warning that violations would attract sanctions.
The regulator said presenters must not pass off personal views as facts, intimidate guests or deny opposing perspectives a fair hearing. It also cautioned against airing unverified allegations, hate speech or content capable of inciting unrest or undermining national cohesion.
Africa’s most populous country is expected to head to the polls in 2027, in elections that authorities say require tighter safeguards following previous cycles marked by misinformation and sporadic violence.
The NBC said it had observed a sustained increase in breaches of the broadcasting code, particularly involving presenter conduct and the politicisation of airtime.
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“Neutrality violations will be treated as serious offences,” the commission said, signalling a tougher enforcement stance as political activity intensifies.
The move reflects broader concerns among authorities about the role of traditional media in shaping political discourse in a country with a highly competitive and often polarised political environment.
However, the directive has drawn criticism from opposition figures and civil society groups, who warn it could restrict press freedom.
Former vice president Atiku Abubakar, who has indicated plans to contest the presidency, said the measure risked “muzzling the media” and shrinking space for free expression.
Rights groups have also voiced concern over the potential for overreach.
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) described the directive as a “dangerous attempt” to impose prior censorship on journalists.
Similarly, Amnesty International’s Nigeria office warned that the rules could encourage self-censorship among media organisations seeking to avoid penalties.
Nigeria’s broadcast sector includes a mix of state-owned and privately operated outlets, many of which are linked to political or business interests. All broadcasters operate under licences issued by the NBC, which also oversees compliance with editorial standards.
Analysts say enforcing the directive could prove challenging, particularly as political debate increasingly shifts to digital platforms that fall outside the regulator’s direct control.
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This could create an uneven playing field, with traditional broadcasters facing stricter scrutiny than online actors.
At the same time, authorities argue that stronger regulation is necessary to prevent the spread of misinformation and inflammatory content that could heighten tensions during the electoral period.
Nigeria’s elections have in the past been accompanied by outbreaks of violence and the rapid circulation of unverified claims, especially during tightly contested races.
As preparations for the 2027 vote gather pace, the balance between safeguarding public order and protecting freedom of expression is likely to remain a key point of debate.
