The Centre for Information Technology and Development has condemned a recent directive issued by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to broadcasters across Nigeria, warning that it could shrink press freedom and civic space in the country.
In a statement on Sunday signed by Y. Z. Ya’u, Executive Director of CITAD, the organisation described the directive as a dangerous escalation in what it called the ongoing erosion of freedom of expression and media independence.
According to the organisation, although the directive is presented as a regulatory move, it raises serious concerns about its wider impact on democratic accountability and digital rights.
“This directive represents a dangerous escalation in the ongoing erosion of press freedom and civic space in the country,” the statement said.
CITAD noted that at a time when Nigeria is facing complex socio-political challenges, the media remains one of the few platforms where citizens can question those in power and demand accountability.
The organisation expressed concern that the directive contains vague and unclear standards that could easily be misused.
“It introduces vague and subjective standards that could be weaponised to silence critical voices,” it said.
The organisation warned that attempts to control how broadcasters host guests, analyse issues, or present discussions could create fear and self-censorship in the media space.
“By attempting to restrict how broadcasters engage with guests, express analysis, or frame public discourse, the government risks creating an environment of fear,” it added.
CITAD also criticised the NBC for failing to clearly define the concerns raised in the directive, saying the lack of clarity leaves room for arbitrary interpretation.
“These concepts are left at the level of mere ideas without a shared understanding, opening the door for arbitrary application,” the statement noted.
It stressed that such rules should not be imposed unilaterally, but developed through consultations with stakeholders.
“Such an important notice should be the outcome of a consultative process involving relevant stakeholders, not a unilateral decision from a regulatory body,” it said.
The group further warned that the directive could signal a broader attempt to control the flow of information, not just in traditional media but also across digital platforms.
“Any attempt to stifle media freedom inevitably affects the broader digital civic space,” CITAD said, adding that journalists, activists, young people, and marginalised groups could be affected.
The organisation emphasised that democracy depends on open debate and the free exchange of ideas, warning against efforts to suppress critical engagement.
“Democratic societies thrive on plurality of opinions and robust debate. Efforts to impose artificial neutrality weaken public discourse,” it said.
CITAD called on the federal government to immediately withdraw the directive and engage in open dialogue with media professionals, civil society groups, and digital rights organisations.
“NBC cannot sit in its boardroom and unilaterally decide what should be allowed on the airwaves,” the statement said.
It also urged regulatory agencies to align their actions with Nigeria’s constitutional guarantees and international human rights standards, especially on freedom of expression.
As the country approaches another election cycle, CITAD warned that protecting media independence is critical to the democratic process.
“Any attempt to curtail press freedom at this critical moment risks compromising the integrity of the democratic process,” it added.
