Allow Journalists To Do Their Job — Amnesty International Tells NBC

Human rights organisation Amnesty International has criticised a recent directive issued by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), describing it as an unlawful attempt to stifle press freedom and silence journalists.

In a statement released on Sunday, the organisation faulted the directive titled “formal notice to broadcasters”, dated April 17, 2026, which reportedly targets political programming, including anchors of current affairs and political shows. Amnesty International said the move imposes “unduly restrictive and invasive controls” on media operations.

The group argued that the NBC lacks the authority to dictate how journalists carry out their professional duties, warning that the directive appears designed to pressure media organisations into self-censorship.

“The bizarre notice issued by NBC is an attempt to pressure journalists and media organisations into silence,” the statement read, noting that Nigeria’s broadcast media plays a vital role in enabling citizens to freely seek, debate, receive and impart information.

Amnesty International also referenced international legal frameworks such as the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, both of which guarantee freedom of expression and access to information.

The organisation further accused Nigerian authorities of using the NBC as a tool to suppress independent journalism, calling for an immediate halt to what it described as “an unrelenting quest to silence journalists and media organisations.”

Describing the directive as “authoritarian and unconstitutional,” Amnesty urged broadcasters across the country to remain resolute.

“Journalists must continue doing their job fiercely and independently, without fear,” the group said.