A Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to suspend enforcement actions against broadcast stations under disputed provisions of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.

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

In a ruling dated May 4, 2026, the court restrained the NBC, its officials, and agents from imposing sanctions or fines on broadcasters based on the contested sections of the 6th Edition of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, pending the hearing of a motion on notice.

The order temporarily halts the commission’s directive cautioning broadcasters against presenting opinions as facts, intimidating guests, or failing to maintain neutrality in their programming.

The suit, marked FHC/L/CS/854/2026 and filed on April 24, 2026, challenges the legality of the provisions. SERAP and NGE described the regulations as arbitrary, unconstitutional, and unlawful.

They argued that the provisions are vague and overly broad, violating the constitutional right to freedom of expression. The groups warned that without judicial intervention, the NBC would continue to penalise media organisations and journalists for performing their professional duties.

According to the plaintiffs, journalism inherently involves opinion, and the right to share ideas includes commentary and analysis essential to democratic engagement. They added that enforcing the rules could create a chilling effect on the media, leading to self-censorship, especially as the 2027 general elections approach.

SERAP and NGE also maintained that the Broadcasting Code, as a subsidiary regulation, cannot override the Nigerian Constitution or the country’s international human rights obligations.

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