The Nigerian Guild of Editors has faulted the National Broadcasting Commission’s warning that broadcast presenters who air personal opinions as facts, intimidate guests or deny opposing views a fair hearing risk sanctions, describing the move as a threat to press freedom and democratic accountability. The NBC issued the notice on April 17, saying such conduct would amount to a “Class B breach” under the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, as the country begins to edge toward the 2027 general elections.
In a statement released on Monday and signed by its President, Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, the Guild said the regulator’s position was “dangerous and injurious to journalism,” arguing that it amounted to “a direct assault on the principles of press freedom, editorial independence and democratic accountability.” The editors said that while the commission may be seeking to improve professionalism in the broadcast industry, the language of its directive was vague and susceptible to misuse.
According to the Guild, the NBC’s interpretation of the 6th Edition of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code is inherently subjective and risks giving the regulator excessive latitude in determining what constitutes rigorous questioning or legitimate scrutiny during interviews. It warned that such ambiguity could encourage selective enforcement, foster self-censorship and weaken the media’s ability to interrogate those in positions of power.
The NBC, however, said it was responding to what it described as a sustained rise in breaches of the broadcasting code, especially in presenter conduct and the political use of airtime. In its notice, the commission said anchors who pass opinions off as facts, bully guests, deny fair hearing or otherwise compromise neutrality would be liable to sanction. It also reiterated that editorial responsibility rests with broadcasters, even during live programmes.
The dispute has opened a wider debate over the balance between broadcast regulation and free expression ahead of another election cycle. Reuters reported that the NBC’s tighter rules were introduced to curb divisive political content before the 2027 polls, but critics, including rights groups and opposition figures, say the directive risks shrinking civic space and discouraging tough but legitimate journalism.
Reasserting the watchdog role of the press, the Guild said journalism is not meant to keep public officials comfortable, but to hold them accountable through bold, responsible and fact-driven questioning. It urged the NBC to act with restraint, impartiality and transparency, insisting that the Nigerian press would not be intimidated
