A Federal High Court in Lagos has barred the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) from sanctioning broadcast stations under sections of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code currently being challenged in court.
Justice Daniel Osiagor granted the interim injunction following an ex parte application filed by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors.
In an order dated ]04 May 2026, the court restrained the commission, its officers, and agents from enforcing or imposing fines on broadcast stations based on several provisions of the 6th Edition of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, pending the hearing of a motion on notice.
The ruling effectively halts the NBC’s recent directive warning broadcasters against presenting personal opinions as facts, intimidating guests, or failing to maintain neutrality in their programming.
The court order means the regulator cannot act on those provisions for now, offering temporary relief to media organizations facing possible sanctions.
The suit, marked FHC/L/CS/854/2026, was filed on 24 April by SERAP and the NGE, who described the NBC’s directive as “arbitrary, unconstitutional and unlawful.”
The groups argued that the disputed sections of the broadcasting code are “vague and overly broad” and infringe on constitutionally guaranteed freedom of expression.
They told the court that unless restrained, the NBC would continue to use the provisions to “threaten and sanction broadcast stations and presenters” for carrying out their professional duties.
The plaintiffs maintained that journalism inherently includes opinion, commentary, and analysis, which they described as essential to democratic discourse.
They also warned that continued enforcement of the provisions could create a chilling effect on the media, leading to self-censorship and weakening the watchdog role of the press, particularly as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.
In addition, they argued that the broadcasting code, as subsidiary legislation, cannot override the Nigerian Constitution or the country’s international human rights obligations.
The case has been adjourned to 01 June 2026, when the court is expected to hear arguments on whether to grant a longer-term interlocutory injunction.
Until then, the NBC remains restrained from enforcing the contested provisions, marking a significant development in the ongoing debate over media regulation and press freedom in Nigeria.
