NBC appeals court order halting sanctions against broadcasters

he National Broadcasting Commission has filed an appeal against a Federal High Court ruling that restrained it from sanctioning broadcast stations and presenters under certain provisions of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.

The appeal followed an interim injunction granted by Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court in Lagos, which barred the commission from enforcing parts of the code used to penalise broadcasters for alleged bias, intimidation of guests, or failure to maintain neutrality.

The court order was issued after an ex parte application filed by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project and the Nigerian Guild of Editors.

SERAP and the NGE had challenged what they described as an “arbitrary and unlawful” attempt by the NBC to punish media organisations over editorial opinions and programme content.

In the suit argued by senior lawyer Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN), the groups also questioned whether sections of the 6th Edition of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code violated constitutional rights to freedom of expression and international human rights obligations.

However, in a Notice of Appeal dated May 8, 2026, the NBC asked the Court of Appeal in Lagos to overturn the lower court’s decision.

The commission said it was dissatisfied with the ruling delivered on May 4 by Justice Osiagor and urged the appellate court to set aside the entire decision.

According to the NBC, the trial court failed to properly evaluate evidence and submissions before granting the interim injunction.

Justice Osiagor had restrained the NBC, its agents and associates from enforcing sanctions or imposing fines on broadcast stations under several disputed sections of the broadcasting code pending the hearing of the substantive motion.

Reacting to the appeal, SERAP and the NGE insisted that journalistic opinions are protected under the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights law.

The groups said they had directed their lawyers to challenge the appeal and ensure the interim injunction remains in force pending the determination of the case.

“We remain firmly committed to protecting civic space, safeguarding freedom of expression, and defending media freedom in Nigeria,” the organisations said in a joint statement.

The matter was adjourned until June 1, 2026, for hearing of the motion on notice.