The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has firmly opposed recent media regulations introduced by the Kano State Government, asserting that no state government in Nigeria has the legal authority to regulate broadcast content. That role, the NBA emphasized, belongs solely to the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) under the law.
The Kano State Government recently rolled out a set of media directives, claiming they were aimed at preserving the state’s cultural and religious values. Among the measures was a total ban on live political programs and a mandate requiring media guests to sign undertakings not to make abusive or defamatory statements. Presenters were also instructed to avoid provocative questions or gestures that might “damage Kano State’s image.”
These regulations, the state government said, were developed in collaboration with local media executives. However, the NBA rejected this initiative, calling it unconstitutional and a direct threat to freedom of expression.
In a strongly worded statement, NBA President Afam Osigwe described the move as “ill-advised” and “entirely unconstitutional.” He reaffirmed that only the NBC, established by the NBC Act, holds the legal mandate to regulate broadcasting in Nigeria.
“The NBC alone is empowered to ensure that broadcast content complies with national standards and constitutional provisions,” Osigwe said. “Its Code already provides mechanisms for handling violations, and it is the only body authorized to impose sanctions.”
Osigwe warned that banning live political programming undermines democratic engagement and transparency. “Suppressing political discourse under the pretext of maintaining order sets a dangerous precedent,” he said. “It threatens media independence and restricts public access to information—both of which are essential in any democracy.”
He further stated that the directives violate Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees Nigerians the right to freedom of expression and the unhindered exchange of ideas.
Calling for immediate intervention, the NBA urged the NBC to reassert its regulatory authority and halt any further attempts by state governments to overstep their bounds.
“The NBA demands the immediate withdrawal of these directives and calls on the NBC to take firm action to prevent such unconstitutional overreach in the future,” the statement concluded.
