Amnesty International has welcomed the Federal High Court’s decision restraining the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) from enforcing its controversial sanctions against broadcasters, describing the ruling as a victory for free expression and press independence.
In a statement posted on its X handle @AmnestyNigeria on Wednesday, the organisation said the interim injunction granted in Lagos represents “an important step” in safeguarding journalists and media houses from what it described as regulatory overreach.
Justice Daniel Osiagor had on Monday, May 5, 2026, ordered the NBC to suspend the implementation of its “Formal Notice” issued on May 2, pending the hearing of the substantive case.
The NBC directive had threatened sanctions against broadcasters accused of presenting opinions as facts, intimidating guests, or failing to maintain neutrality in their programmes.
Amnesty International criticised the notice as vague and susceptible to abuse, warning that it could create a chilling effect on Nigeria’s media space.
“The ruling by Justice Daniel Osiagor marks an important step toward protecting freedom of expression and media independence in Nigeria.
“The NBC directive, seeking to sanction broadcasters for expressing opinions as facts, intimidating guests, or failing to maintain neutrality, is vague, open to abuse, and risks silencing critical voices,” NGO said.
While welcoming the court’s intervention, Amnesty stressed that the order is only interim and does not resolve the substantive legal dispute over the NBC’s action.
The organisation therefore urged the NBC to withdraw the directive completely and avoid similar measures that could limit press freedom.
It also called on authorities to ensure that journalists and broadcasters operate without intimidation or interference.
“While the ruling provides immediate relief, it is not a final judgment, and the threat posed by the notice remains.
“Amnesty International Nigeria calls on the NBC @nbcgovng to withdraw the ‘Formal Notice’ in full and refrain from enforcing similar measures that undermine constitutional and international guarantees of freedom of expression.
“Authorities must ensure that journalists and broadcasters can carry out their work without intimidation or undue interference,” it added.
The case has been adjourned until June 1, 2026, for hearing of the motion on notice.