Lagos Court Bars NBC from Code Sanctions on Broadcasters

A Federal High Court in Lagos granted an interim injunction on May 4, 2026, restraining the National Broadcasting Commission from imposing sanctions on broadcast stations under specific provisions of the sixth edition of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code. Justice Daniel Osiagor issued the order following an ex parte application by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project and the Nigerian Guild of Editors.

The ruling bars the NBC, its officers, agents, or affiliates from enforcing sections 1.10.3, 3.3.1 b, 3.4.1 b, 5.3.3b, 3.1.1, 3.11.1a, 5.4.1 f, 3.11.1 b, and 5.5.1b of the code pending a hearing on a motion for interlocutory injunction. The case, marked FHCLCS/854/2026, stems from a suit filed on April 24, 2026, challenging a recent NBC formal notice. That notice warned broadcasters against presenting personal opinions as facts, intimidating guests, or failing to uphold neutrality in programs, with threats of penalties for violations.

SERAP and the guild argued in court filings that the provisions are vague and overly broad, infringing on the constitutional right to freedom of expression under Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution as amended. They contended the measures...