NGE Condemns NBC's Censorship Advisory for Broadcasters

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has condemned the National Broadcasting Commission's (NBC) recent advisory, which they describe as a deliberate attempt to gag broadcasters and institutionalize censorship. The advisory, issued on April 17, 2026, includes provisions from the 6th edition of the Nigerian Broadcast Code, warning broadcasters against expressing personal opinions and threatening strict sanctions for breaches.

NGE President Ez Anaba and General Secretary Unuoha Ukeh highlighted that the advisory creates room for misuse and misinterpretation, unfairly targeting journalists. They argue that it undermines the role of journalists in holding power accountable and could lead to self-censorship.

The advisory has been criticized for being vague and broad, with the NGE asserting that it is a plot to reduce media independence. The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has also called for the withdrawal of the advisory, arguing it violates freedom of expression rights.

A court appeal has upheld a lower court's judgment that bars the NBC from imposing penalties without due process.