Nigeria’s broadcast regulator, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), has issued a formal notice to television and radio stations nationwide, warning of stricter enforcement of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code following what it describes as a “sustained increase” in violations across news, current affairs, and political programming.

In a statement released amid rising political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Commission expressed concern that broadcast platforms are increasingly being used in ways that undermine their core responsibility to deliver accurate, balanced, and professional information to the public. The NBC stressed that compliance with the Code is “mandatory, not discretionary,” signaling a tougher regulatory posture as the electoral cycle intensifies.

Central to the Commission’s warning is what it termed a “crisis of anchor and presenter professionalism.” Citing specific provisions of the Code, the NBC reminded broadcasters that presenters are prohibited from injecting personal opinions into programmes. According to Section 1.10.3, “The Broadcaster shall ensure that its Presenter does not express his or her opinion in the programme, as a matter of professional standard.” The regulator also reiterated the obligation to ensure fairness and balance, quoting Sections 3.3.1(b) and 3.4.1(b), which require that “all sides to any issue of public interest are equitably presented,” preferably within the same broadcast.

The Commission further raised alarm over the growing misuse of broadcast platforms by political actors across party lines. It noted that inflammatory rhetoric, hate speech, and divisive commentary have found their way onto airwaves, often in violation of multiple sections of the Code. Referencing Section 3.1.1, the NBC emphasized that “no broadcast shall encourage or incite to crime and lead to public disorder or hate,” while Section 5.4.1(f) prohibits content that could compromise Nigeria’s unity as a sovereign state.

The NBC made it clear that broadcasters retain full editorial responsibility for all content aired, including live programming. “Editorial responsibility cannot be abdicated to guests,” the statement noted, underscoring that stations must exercise strict oversight regardless of format. It warned that any presenter found to have expressed personal opinions as facts, intimidated guests, or denied fair hearing to opposing views would be deemed to have committed a Class B breach under the Code.

The latest directive comes as Nigeria’s political landscape begins to heat up, with early alignments and public discourse already shaping the pre-election environment. Media analysts say the NBC’s intervention reflects broader concerns about misinformation, polarisation, and the role of the media in either escalating or calming tensions during election cycles.

Reaffirming its mandate, the Commission stated that broadcast platforms “must not be used for hate speech, personal attacks, or content inciting disorder along political lines,” adding that any “inflammatory, divisive, or unsubstantiated broadcasts will attract regulatory sanctions.”