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A Federal High Court in Lagos has restrained the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) from imposing sanctions on broadcasters over their opinion, pending the determination of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE)’s lawsuit.
SERAP and the NGE sued the NBC in April 2026 over its threats to sanction broadcasters who fail to maintain neutrality and voice their opinions during broadcasts.
Justice Daniel Osiago of the Federal High Court in Lagos granted the order of interim injunction on Monday after hearing an ex parte motion argued by counsel to SERAP and NGE, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN.
In the certified true copy of the ruling delivered on 4 May 2026, Justice Osiagor ruled: “It is hereby ordered as follows: That an order of interim injunction is granted restraining the Defendant [NBC], its Officers, agents, privies, assigns, associates or any other person or group of persons from enforcing, imposing sanctions, or levying fines on any broadcasting station based on the provisions of Sections 1.10.3, 3.3.1(b), 3.4.1(b), 5.3.3(b), 3.1.1, 3.11.1(a), 5.4.1(f), 3.11.1(b), and 5.5.1(b) of the 6th Edition of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for an order of interlocutory injunction filed simultaneously in this suit.”
The court subsequently adjourned the matter to June 1, 2026, for the hearing of the motion on notice.
SERAP and the NGE, in a joint statement, applauded the ruling and urged the NBC to comply with the court’s order.
“This is a significant victory for freedom of expression, media freedom, and the rule of law in Nigeria. The court’s decision to restrain the NBC from enforcing these vague and overly broad provisions affirms the fundamental principle that regulatory powers must be exercised within constitutional limits,” they said.
SERAP and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) are asking the court to determine whether provisions of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, as relied upon by the NBC to threaten broadcasters, are inconsistent with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Nigeria’s international human rights obligations.
