The country has put in place new regulations prohibiting radio and television presenters from airing divisive content ahead of the general elections.
According to a report by Reuters, Nigeria is set to go to the polls in January against the backdrop of previous elections that were affected by misinformation and intermittent violence.
The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) announced that presenters are no longer allowed to express personal opinions on air, intimidate guests, or broadcast material that could incite unrest or deepen political divisions. The directive is part of efforts to prevent misinformation and violence issues that have affected past election cycles.
Under the updated enforcement guidelines, broadcasters must avoid presenting opinions as facts, ensure balanced representation of opposing views, and refrain from airing unverified claims or hate speech. Violations could lead to sanctions, with the NBC warning that breaches of neutrality will be treated as serious offenses.
However, critics argue that the move could limit press freedom. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who is expected to run in the upcoming election, described the policy as an attempt to restrict free expression. Civil society groups, including the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and Amnesty International Nigeria, have also warned that the rules might encourage self-censorship among journalists.
While similar broadcasting standards exist in other democracies during election periods, enforcement in Nigeria has often been inconsistent. Analysts note that the rise of online political discourse may further complicate implementation, as digital platforms remain less regulated than traditional media.
