The Federal High Court in Lagos has restrained the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) from threatening, sanctioning, or punishing broadcast stations and presenters for expressing personal opinions, “bullying or intimidating” guests, or failing to maintain neutrality.

Hon. Justice Daniel Osiagor granted the interim injunction on Monday following an ex-parte application by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE).

The court order prevents the NBC from enforcing certain provisions of the 6th Edition of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code that the two organisations described as vague, overly broad, and unconstitutional.

In the suit numbered FHC/L/CS/854/2026, SERAP and NGE are challenging the NBC’s use of the Code to penalise broadcasters for allegedly expressing personal opinions as facts or failing to remain neutral. They argue that such provisions violate Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression.

The organisations, through their counsel Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN, contend that freedom of expression includes opinions, commentary, and analysis, and that journalism without opinion is “neither practical nor democratic.”

Reacting to the ruling in a joint statement on Tuesday, SERAP and NGE described it as “a landmark victory for freedom of expression, media freedom, and the rule of law in Nigeria.”

“This is a significant victory. The court’s decision to restrain the NBC from enforcing these vague and overly broad provisions affirms that regulatory powers must be exercised within constitutional limits,” the statement said.

Justice Osiagor ordered the NBC, its officials, agents, and privies to refrain from imposing any fines, sanctions, or penalties on broadcasters based on the contested provisions pending the determination of the substantive suit.

The case has been adjourned to June 1, 2026, for hearing of the motion on notice.

SERAP and NGE warned that if left unchecked, the NBC’s approach could severely undermine media freedom and public debate ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“A free, independent, and vibrant media is essential to credible elections. Any attempt to silence critical voices or restrict open debate undermines the public’s right to information,” they said.

The organisations urged the NBC to comply with the court order and review its regulatory framework to align with constitutional guarantees and Nigeria’s international human rights obligations under the African Charter and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

They also called on Nigerian authorities to create an enabling environment for journalists to operate without fear of intimidation or censorship.