Amnesty International, a human rights organisation, has condemned the National Broadcasting Commission’s (NBC) over unlawful directives against journalists and media organisations ahead of the 2027 general elections in Nigeria.

The NBC had issued the directive on Friday warning broadcasters and presenters against breaching professional broadcasting codes. 

“Amnesty International strongly condemns the latest outrageous and desperate attempt by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to gag journalists and the media through unlawful and repressive so-called ‘formal notice to broadcasters’ dated 17 April 2026,” a statement posted on Amnesty International’s X handle on Sunday, read. 

According to the group, the commission has no power or right to tell journalists how to do their job. 

“The notice which targets political broadcasts and anchors of current affairs and political programmes places unduly restrictive and invasive controls on the media and journalists. The bizarre notice issued by NBC is an attempt to pressure journalists and media organisations into self-censorship,” the group said. 

The group further added that the country’s broadcast media is independent, enabling them to freely seek, debate, and impart Information.

“Nigeria’s vibrant broadcast media whose editorial content is independent enable people to freely seek, debate, receive and impart information and ideas as envisaged by the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

“The Nigerian authorities must stop using the NBC in an unrelenting quest to silence journalists and the media organisations that are crucial to ensuring an independent and diverse media space that fulfills people’s right to information,” it added.

The group, however, said the latest threat issued by NBC is authoritarian and unconstitutional, noting that broadcasters must continue doing their job fiercely and independently without fear.