The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has expressed concern over what it described as rising cases of unprofessional conduct among broadcast anchors and presenters, warning that violations of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code will attract sanctions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued on Friday via its Facebook page by the Office of the Director-General, Public Affairs Department and signed by management, the commission said it had observed a “disturbing departure from the core principles of broadcast journalism” among some practitioners.
NBC said many presenters were increasingly breaching ethical standards of fairness, balance and neutrality in their programmes.
According to the commission, some anchors now express personal opinions as facts, fail to give equal representation to opposing views, and allow inflammatory or divisive content on air, in violation of provisions requiring accuracy, professionalism and responsibility.
It warned that any presenter found to have “expressed personal opinion as fact, bullied or intimidated a guest, or denied fair hearing to opposing views” would be considered to have committed a Class B breach.
The NBC stressed that editorial responsibility rests solely with broadcasters and cannot be transferred to guests, even in live programmes.
The commission said the concerns were part of a broader pattern of increasing breaches across news, current affairs and political programmes, adding that broadcast platforms were increasingly being used in ways that undermine professional standards.
It also raised alarm over the use of broadcast platforms by political actors to disseminate content capable of inciting disorder, promoting hate speech and weakening national unity.
Reiterating its position, the commission said it would enforce “strict and uncompromised compliance” with all provisions of the broadcasting code, warning that “inflammatory, divisive, or unsubstantiated broadcasts will attract regulatory sanctions.”
It added that compliance with the code is “mandatory, not discretionary.”
As the country moves toward the 2027 general elections, the NBC urged broadcasters to ensure responsible reporting, stressing that the airwaves must not be used to “amplify tension or propagate misinformation,” but to promote credible information and national cohesion.
