News
JUST IN: Court Stops NBC from Sanctioning Broadcasters for Expressing Opinions
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.
News
Reps move to reform military laws
Abbas urged stakeholders, including serving and retired military officers, civil society organisations, gender advocates, legal practitioners and members of the public, to actively participate in the legislative process.
The House of Representatives has commenced move to reform military laws.
Speaking at a two-day public hearing organised by the House Committee on Defence in Abuja on Monday, Speaker of the House, Abbas Tajudeen, said that the proposed legislations were designed to address the country’s evolving security challenges and build a more resilient and effective military institution.
He said that the bills were in line with the legislative agenda of the 10th House of Representatives and reflected lawmakers’ commitment to reforming the nation’s defence sector.
He added that emerging threats such as maritime piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, cyber warfare and the growing nexus between organised crime and terrorism had further underscored the need for comprehensive reforms.
The Speaker said among the key bills under consideration are the Armed Forces Farms and Ranches Scheme Bill, which seeks to link food security initiatives with military operations, particularly in conflict-prone agricultural communities.
Others include the Gender Representation in the Armed Forces Bill, aimed at promoting inclusiveness in military recruitment and service; the Nigerian Military Force Bill, which seeks to repeal and replace the Armed Forces Act to align military administration with contemporary realities; and the Veterans’ Federation of Nigeria Bill, intended to improve the welfare of retired military personnel.
Abbas urged stakeholders, including serving and retired military officers, civil society organisations, gender advocates, legal practitioners and members of the public, to actively participate in the legislative process.
Earlier, Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Hon. Babajimi Benson, described the hearing as a critical platform for citizens and stakeholders to contribute to shaping laws that would strengthen Nigeria’s defence and security framework.
News
FG to launch digital address system to boost national security
Tijani disclosed this at the National Digital Alphanumeric Postcode System Workshop in Abuja, yesterday.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, has said that a nationwide digital postcode system will be launched by the Federal Government in October, with several states expected to be covered before the end of the year.
Tijani disclosed this at the National Digital Alphanumeric Postcode System Workshop in Abuja, yesterday.
He explained that the initiative would assign a unique digital address to every building in Nigeria, including those in rural communities, enabling security agencies, businesses and public institutions to accurately identify and locate people and properties.
The minister said the project is a critical national infrastructure designed to address Nigeria’s long-standing challenge of lacking a reliable and standardised addressing system.
He noted that the absence of accurate addresses has hampered crime investigations, emergency response services and identity verification processes, while creating opportunities for fraud.
News
FG to roll out 10,000 electric tricycles in August –Shettima
The President has approved the replication of the initiative in other parts of the country by the various regional development commissions.
• A visit by Transporters For Tinubu/Shettima 2027 at the State House
Vice President Kashim Shettima said has that the Federal Government would roll out 10,000 electric tricycles in August 2026 as part of a broader plan to ease public transportation and strengthen Nigeria’s logistics chain.
Shettima disclosed this during a visit by Transporters For Tinubu/Shettima 2027 at the State House, saying the tricycles would be distributed by the North East Development Commission (NEDC) for use across the North East and beyond.
He added that President Bola Tinubu had approved replicating the initiative through other regional development commissions nationwide.
The President has approved the replication of the initiative in other parts of the country by the various regional development commissions.
“This administration is determined to build a transport economy that lowers the cost of movement, reduces delays at ports, connects farms to markets, strengthens national productivity and gives transporters a more dignified place in the country’s development process,” he said.
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