CITAD Speaks Out: Challenging NBC’s Directive on Broadcasters
The Centre for Information Technology and Development has denounced a recent order issued by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to broadcasters throughout Nigeria, cautioning that it could diminish press liberty and civic space within the nation.
In a statement on Sunday endorsed by Y. Z. Ya’u, Executive Director of CITAD, the organisation characterized the order as a perilous escalation in what it termed the ongoing degradation of freedom of expression and media autonomy.
According to the organisation, although the order is framed as a regulatory action, it raises significant concerns regarding its broader ramifications on democratic accountability and digital rights.
“This order signifies a perilous escalation in the continuous degradation of press liberty and civic space in the nation,” the statement indicated.
CITAD pointed out that at a moment when Nigeria is confronting intricate socio-political difficulties, the media stands as one of the few avenues where citizens can challenge those in authority and demand accountability.
The organisation voiced apprehension that the order includes ambiguous and indistinct criteria that could easily be exploited. “It introduces ambiguous and subjective criteria that could be weaponized to silence dissenting voices,” it remarked.
The organisation cautioned that efforts to manage how broadcasters engage with guests, analyze topics, or present discussions could instill fear and self-censorship within the media environment.
“By seeking to constrain how broadcasters interact with guests, convey analysis, or shape public discourse, the government risks cultivating an atmosphere of fear,” it continued.
CITAD also critiqued the NBC for its failure to distinctly define the issues raised in the order, stating that the lack of clarity creates room for arbitrary interpretation.
“These ideas are left at the level of mere concepts without a mutual understanding, opening the door for arbitrary enforcement,” the statement emphasized.
It underscored that such regulations should not be imposed unilaterally, but crafted through consultations with interested parties.
The group further alerted that the order could indicate a wider effort to control the dissemination of information, not solely in traditional media but across digital channels as well.
“Any endeavour to suffocate media freedom inevitably influences the broader digital civic arena,” CITAD mentioned, adding that journalists, activists, youth, and marginalized populations may be impacted.
The organisation stressed that democracy relies on open discourse and the unimpeded exchange of ideas, cautioning against attempts to quash critical engagement.
“Democratic societies flourish on a diversity of viewpoints and vigorous debate. Efforts to impose artificial neutrality undermine public dialogue,” it stated.
CITAD urged the federal government to promptly rescind the order and foster open discussions with media professionals, civil society organisations, and digital rights advocates.
“NBC cannot simply convene in its boardroom and independently decide what should be permissible on the airwaves,” the statement highlighted.
It also encouraged regulatory bodies to align their operations with Nigeria’s constitutional guarantees and international human rights frameworks, particularly regarding freedom of expression.
As the nation nears another electoral cycle, CITAD cautioned that safeguarding media independence is vital to the democratic framework.
“Any attempt to restrict press freedom at this pivotal moment risks jeopardizing the integrity of the democratic process,” it concluded.
