Amnesty International has condemned a directive issued by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), describing it as an “outrageous and desperate attempt” to silence journalists in Nigeria.

In a statement reacting to the NBC’s April 17, 2026 notice to broadcasters, the rights organisation said the commission lacks the authority to dictate how journalists perform their professional duties.

According to Amnesty, the directive targeting political broadcasts and anchors of current affairs programmes imposes “unduly restrictive and invasive controls” on the media landscape.

The organisation warned that the move could pressure journalists and media houses into self-censorship, thereby undermining press freedom and democratic accountability.

Speaking on the issue, Amnesty International Nigeria’s Executive Director, Isa Sanusi, said Nigeria’s broadcast media play a vital role in enabling citizens to freely access and exchange information, as guaranteed under international human rights frameworks.

He called on authorities to halt what he described as the misuse of the NBC to stifle independent journalism.

“The Nigerian authorities must stop using the NBC in an unrelenting quest to silence journalists and media organisations that are crucial to ensuring an independent and diverse media space,” he said.

Amnesty International further described the directive as authoritarian and unconstitutional, urging broadcasters to remain firm and continue their work without fear.