NBC Warns Media Against Breach of Broadcast Code

Nigeria’s broadcast regulator, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), has expressed serious concern over what it describes as a growing decline in professionalism among anchors and presenters, warning that violations of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code will attract sanctions as the country moves closer to the 2027 general elections.

In a statement released on Friday, the commission said it had observed a “disturbing departure from the core principles of broadcast journalism” across several broadcast platforms.

According to the NBC, some presenters have increasingly abandoned the ethical standards of fairness, balance and neutrality expected in professional journalism. The commission said such behaviour threatens the credibility of the media at a time when responsible broadcasting is crucial to national stability.

It noted that some anchors now present personal opinions as established facts, fail to provide equal opportunity for opposing views, and permit inflammatory or divisive remarks during live programmes. The commission stressed that these actions violate clear provisions of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, which demand accuracy, professionalism and responsible conduct at all times.

Director General of the National Broadcasting Commission, Charles Ebuebu

The NBC specifically warned that any presenter found to have “expressed personal opinion as fact, bullied or intimidated a guest, or denied fair hearing to opposing views” would be classified as committing a Class B breach under the code.

The regulator also reminded broadcasters that editorial responsibility lies squarely with the station and cannot be shifted to guests or contributors, even during live interviews or unscripted discussions.

Beyond presenter conduct, the commission said there has been a wider pattern of rising breaches across news, political and current affairs programming. It added that some political actors have also misused broadcast platforms to spread content capable of inciting disorder, promoting hate speech and weakening national unity.

The NBC said it would enforce “strict and uncompromised compliance” with the code, adding that “inflammatory, divisive, or unsubstantiated broadcasts will attract regulatory sanctions.”

With political activity expected to intensify ahead of 2027, the commission urged broadcasters to promote credible information and national cohesion, stressing that the airwaves must not be used to amplify tension or spread misinformation.

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Tope Oke

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