The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has cautioned broadcasters against bullying guests, misusing broadcast platforms and violating professional standards ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement, the commission expressed concern over what it described as increasing breaches of the 6th Edition of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code across news, current affairs and political programmes.
The NBC said some broadcast platforms had drifted from their core responsibility of informing the public with accuracy, fairness and professionalism, adding that it would adopt a stricter enforcement approach.
“As we approach the 2027 General Elections, the Commission hereby notifies all broadcasters and stakeholders that it will enforce strict and uncompromised compliance with every provision of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, particularly those relating to fairness, balance, accuracy, hate speech, incitement and respect for constitutional bodies,” the statement said.
The commission also raised concerns over declining professionalism among presenters and programme anchors, citing repeated violations of broadcast ethics.
Referencing Section 1.10.3 of the code, the NBC noted that presenters are prohibited from expressing personal opinions during programmes as a matter of professional standard.
It also cited Section 3.3.1(b), which requires equitable presentation of all sides on issues of public interest, and Section 3.4.1(b), which provides that opposing views should preferably be presented within the same broadcast.
The regulator further referred to Section 5.3.3(b), which bars the use of hate speech, inflammatory, derogatory or divisive remarks in political materials used for news and current affairs programmes.
The NBC expressed concern over how some guests are treated during broadcasts, warning against intimidation, harassment and lack of neutrality by programme hosts.
On political programming, the commission said it had observed a rising trend of violations across party lines, including content capable of inciting disorder, undermining constituted authority or threatening national unity.
It stressed that broadcasters must exercise professionalism, especially when covering sensitive matters such as politics, communal conflicts and war.
The NBC warned that any presenter or anchor found to have presented personal opinion as fact, bullied or intimidated guests, or denied fair hearing to opposing views would be sanctioned accordingly.
