In a landmark ruling, Justice Nicholas Oweibo of the Federal High Court in Lagos has directed the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to halt the use of the NBC Act and Code to impose fines, threaten sanctions, and harass broadcast stations and other independent media houses across Nigeria.
The judgment, delivered on Friday, marks a significant victory for press freedom in the country. Justice Oweibo emphasized that the NBC’s actions were not only overreaching but also unconstitutional. “The NBC must operate within the confines of the law and respect the fundamental rights of media houses to operate without undue interference,” he stated.
The case was brought before the court by several media organizations who argued that the NBC had been using its regulatory powers to stifle dissent and control the narrative in the media. The plaintiffs contended that the fines and threats of sanctions were arbitrary and aimed at silencing critical voices.
Justice Oweibo’s ruling is seen as a reaffirmation of the judiciary’s role in protecting democratic principles and ensuring that regulatory bodies do not abuse their powers. “This judgment is a clear message that the judiciary will not tolerate any form of intimidation against the press,” said a representative of the plaintiffs.
The ruling has been widely welcomed by journalists and media rights activists. “This is a victory for democracy and freedom of expression in Nigeria,” said Lanre Arogundade, Director of the International Press Centre. “It underscores the importance of an independent judiciary in safeguarding the rights of the media.”
The NBC, established in 1992, is responsible for regulating and controlling the broadcast industry in Nigeria. However, its recent actions have drawn criticism from various quarters, with allegations of bias and overreach. The court’s decision is expected to lead to a review of the NBC’s regulatory framework and practices.
Reacting to the judgment, a spokesperson for the NBC said, “We respect the court’s decision and will comply accordingly. Our mandate is to ensure a vibrant and responsible broadcast industry, and we will continue to work towards that goal within the ambit of the law.”
Media houses across the country have expressed relief and optimism following the ruling. “This is a breath of fresh air for us,” said a senior editor at a leading Lagos-based newspaper. “We can now focus on our primary duty of informing the public without fear of undue sanctions.”
