The Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the Association of Nigeria Broadcasters, Olabisi Ajiboye-Sogigun, has expressed concern over the recent court order restraining the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) from imposing sanctions on broadcast stations, warning that the development could weaken broadcast ethics in Nigeria.
The Federal High Court in Lagos, presided over by Justice Daniel Osiagor, had granted an interim injunction stopping the NBC from sanctioning media organisations under certain provisions of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.
The order followed a suit filed by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors.
The suit, marked FHC/L/CS/854/2026, is still pending determination.
Reacting to the development, Ajiboye-Sogigun said while the protection of press freedom remains essential in a democratic society, regulatory discipline is equally critical to maintaining professionalism and ethical standards in broadcasting.
He noted that broadcast ethics, which include truthfulness, fairness, accuracy, objectivity, and respect for human dignity, form the foundation of responsible journalism and must not be compromised.
According to him, the inability of the NBC to enforce sanctions, even temporarily, may create a regulatory gap that could encourage unethical practices within the broadcast industry.
He warned that without effective oversight, some media organisations might resort to sensationalism, unverified reporting, and politically biased content, especially in the build-up to the 2027 general elections.
Ajiboye-Sogigun also expressed concern that irresponsible broadcasting could inflame ethnic, religious, or political tensions in a diverse country like Nigeria, stressing that the media plays a powerful role in shaping public opinion.
However, he acknowledged the argument by critics of the NBC who allege regulatory overreach, noting that concerns about press freedom and abuse of power by regulators must also be addressed within the framework of the law.
He referenced earlier judicial pronouncements, including a 2024 ruling by Justice Nicholas Oweibo of the Federal High Court, Lagos, in a related case involving SERAP and the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), which questioned the extent of the NBC’s sanctioning powers.
Ajiboye-Sogigun, however, maintained that the solution lies in striking a balance between freedom of expression and responsible journalism.
He called for stronger collaboration between regulators, media organisations, and the judiciary to ensure that while press freedom is protected, ethical standards in broadcasting are not eroded.
According to him, “a well-regulated but free broadcasting environment is essential for national unity, public trust, and the sustainability of Nigeria’s democracy.”
