The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has warned broadcast stations and journalists to comply strictly with the Nigeria Broadcasting Code or face sanctions ahead of the 2027 general election.
In a notice to broadcasters, the commission said it has recorded a steady rise in violations of the 6th edition of the code.
It said many of the breaches occur in news, current affairs, and political programmes.
The NBC said some platforms now operate in ways that undermine their duty to deliver accurate, balanced, and professional information.
The commission said it will enforce strict compliance with the code. It said it will not tolerate breaches of provisions on fairness, balance, accuracy, hate speech, and respect for constitutional institutions.
The NBC flagged what it described as a growing crisis of professionalism among anchors and presenters.
It said some presenters now present personal opinions as facts. It added that some deny opposing views fair hearing.
The commission said such conduct violates the broadcasting code, which requires presenters to remain impartial and give all sides equal representation.
The NBC said political actors also misuse broadcast platforms.
It said some politicians use the media to push content that could incite division, disorder, or threaten national unity.
The commission warned broadcasters not to allow their platforms to carry hate speech or inflammatory content.
It said such content could trigger public unrest and will attract sanctions.
The NBC said it will penalise any presenter who expresses personal opinions as facts, intimidates guests, or denies fair hearing.
It said broadcasters must take full responsibility for their content, including live programmes.
The commission said broadcasters cannot shift editorial responsibility to guests.
“Compliance is mandatory, not discretionary,” the NBC said.
It added that it will sanction any inflammatory or unsubstantiated broadcast.
The commission urged broadcasters to act professionally.
It said the airwaves must remain a space for credible information and responsible public discourse as the election approaches.
