Court Restrains NBC from Sanctioning Broadcasters

A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has issued an interim order stopping the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) from penalising broadcast stations under certain provisions of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code. The decision follows growing legal disputes over the commission’s authority to enforce the sections in question.

Justice Daniel Osiagor granted the order after an ex parte application was brought before the court by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE). The applicants are challenging the legality of the NBC’s recent directives to broadcasters.

According to the court order dated May 4, 2026, the NBC, along with its officers and agents, is barred from enforcing sanctions or fines linked to the disputed sections of the Code until a motion on notice for an interlocutory injunction is heard and decided.

The ruling effectively puts on hold the commission’s earlier notice cautioning broadcasters over issues such as presenting opinions as facts, intimidating guests, and failing to remain neutral. The suit, filed on April 24, 2026, argues that the directive violates constitutional provisions and lacks legal backing.