A Federal High Court in Lagos has restrained the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) from using its recent “Formal Notice” to sanction or punish broadcast stations and presenters over alleged breaches related to personal opinions, neutrality, or treatment of guests.
Justice Daniel Osiagor granted an interim injunction on Monday following an ex parte application filed by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE).
The court order prevents the NBC from enforcing several provisions of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code cited in its notice, pending the hearing of the substantive motion.
SERAP and NGE had argued that the NBC’s actions amounted to an unconstitutional restriction on freedom of expression and media independence, warning that vague regulatory provisions could be used to intimidate journalists and encourage self-censorship.
In his ruling, Justice Osiagor barred the NBC and its agents from imposing sanctions or fines on broadcasters under the disputed sections of the Broadcasting Code until the case is fully determined.
The case has been adjourned to June 1, 2026, for further hearing on the motion on notice.
SERAP and NGE described the ruling as a major victory for press freedom, insisting that regulatory powers must remain within constitutional limits and international human rights standards.