The National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, has issued a formal notice to broadcasters over what it described as a rising pattern of breaches of the 6th Edition of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code across news, current affairs and political programmes.
In a press release dated April 17, 2026, the Commission said it had observed a sustained increase in violations linked to fairness, balance, accuracy, hate speech, incitement and respect for constitutional bodies as political activities build up ahead of the 2027 general elections.
NBC said broadcast platforms were increasingly being used in ways that depart from their core duty to inform the public with accuracy, balance and professionalism. It said the trend had become serious enough to require strict and uncompromising enforcement of the broadcasting code.
The Commission raised concern over what it called a crisis of anchor and presenter professionalism. It said some presenters now depart from core standards of broadcast journalism by expressing personal opinions during programmes, failing to provide equitable hearing to opposing views and undermining neutrality in violation of established professional rules.
NBC also warned against the growing misuse of broadcast platforms by political actors across party lines. According to the Commission, some political content aired on radio and television has included divisive remarks, hate speech, inciting language and materials capable of undermining public order and national cohesion.
It stressed that no broadcaster should transmit content that encourages crime, leads to public disorder, promotes hatred against individuals or organisations, or compromises the unity and corporate existence of Nigeria as a sovereign state.
The Commission said any anchor or presenter found to have presented personal opinion as fact, bullied or intimidated guests, or denied fair hearing to opposing viewpoints would be deemed to have committed a Class B breach under the Code.
NBC further reminded stations that editorial responsibility cannot be transferred to guests, including during live programming. It said broadcasters remain fully responsible for ensuring professionalism, fairness, balance, accuracy and the right of reply in all content transmitted to the public.
The regulator warned that inflammatory, divisive or unsubstantiated broadcasts would attract sanctions, adding that compliance with the Nigeria Broadcasting Code is mandatory.
As the country moves closer to the 2027 elections, NBC said the airwaves must not be used to amplify tension or spread misinformation, but should remain platforms for credible information, responsible discourse and national cohesion.
The Commission said it would continue to enforce the Code across all news, current affairs and political programmes nationwide.
