NBC Appeals Court Order Halting Sanctions Against Broadcasters
The National Broadcasting Commission has challenged a Federal High Court ruling that restrained it from enforcing portions of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code used to sanction broadcast stations and presenters for alleged bias and lack of neutrality.
The appeal followed an interim injunction issued by Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court in Lagos, which barred the commission from using a recent “Formal Notice” to threaten or punish broadcasters accused of presenting personal opinions as facts, intimidating guests, or failing to remain neutral.
The order was granted after an ex parte application filed by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project and the Nigerian Guild of Editors through their lawyer, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN).
In a Notice of Appeal dated May 8, 2026, the NBC expressed dissatisfaction with the ruling and urged the Court of Appeal in Lagos to overturn the decision.
The commission stated that it was appealing the entire ruling delivered on May 4, 2026, and requested the appellate court to allow the appeal and set aside the Federal High Court’s decision.
According to the NBC, the trial court failed to properly assess the evidence and submissions before granting the application.
SERAP and the Nigerian Guild of Editors had sued the commission over what they described as an unlawful attempt to punish broadcasters for allegedly expressing opinions as facts, intimidating guests, or failing to maintain neutrality.
The suit also questioned whether several sections of the 6th Edition of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code violated the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights obligations.
Justice Osiagor, in his ruling, granted an interim injunction restraining the NBC and its representatives from imposing sanctions or fines on broadcast stations based on specific provisions of the broadcasting code pending the hearing of the substantive motion.
Reacting to the appeal, SERAP and the Nigerian Guild of Editors insisted that both the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights laws protect freedom of opinion and expression, including journalistic opinions.
The groups said they had directed their lawyers to oppose the appeal and defend the Federal High Court ruling, while also ensuring that the interim injunction remains in force until the motion on notice is determined.
They reaffirmed their commitment to protecting freedom of expression, media independence, and civic space in Nigeria, stressing that regulatory powers must operate within constitutional and international legal standards.
The case was adjourned until June 1, 2026, for the hearing of the motion on notice.
