NBC threatens broadcast stations with sanctions over election

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has issued a warning to all broadcasters against using their platforms to promote content that may incite violence and disrupt the peace of the country in the ongoing election.

The Director-General of NBC, Balarabe Ilelah, emphasized that all broadcasters have a duty to promote sustainable democracy in Nigeria and urged them to abide by the relevant regulations guiding the broadcast of elections in the country.

The NBC noted that it had observed some guests on broadcast stations making volatile allusions capable of causing unrest in the country. The commission stated that appropriate sanctions would be imposed on any broadcast station found to be operating outside the confines of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.

In line with the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, broadcasters are prohibited from using any vote obtained at a polling station or from an exit poll to project or speculate on the chances of a candidate. The code also states that broadcasters should relay election results or declaration of the winner only as announced by the authorized electoral officer for the election.

The NBC Act CAP N11, Laws of the Federation, 2004, further prescribes that a licensee shall be responsible for the content of the station’s broadcast. As such, broadcasters are expected to promote peace and adhere to the principles of responsibility, accuracy, and neutrality.

In response to the warning, broadcasters across Nigeria have pledged to abide by the NBC regulations and promote peaceful elections. Speaking on behalf of a group of broadcasters, Mr. John Adebayo expressed their commitment to the NBC regulations, stating that “as broadcasters, we understand the power of our platforms and we are committed to using it responsibly and promoting peaceful elections.”

The NBC‘s warning comes amidst concerns over the potential for violence during the 2023 general elections. In recent years, Nigeria has experienced several incidents of election-related violence, with politicians and their supporters often resorting to violence to advance their interests. However, with the upcoming elections drawing closer, stakeholders have intensified efforts to promote peaceful and credible polls.