‘Abuse of power’ — MRA knocks NBC over ban on Eedris Abdulkareem’s song

Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has condemned the directive by National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) banning the broadcast of ‘Tell Your Papa’, a song by Eedris Abdulkareem, the Nigerian artiste.

The group described the ban as an “abuse of regulatory power, a violation of constitutional rights, and a threat to freedom of expression”.

Susan Obi, the NBC coordinating director of broadcast monitoring, had instructed all broadcast stations to refrain from airing the song, citing its content as inappropriate and in violation of section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.

A statement on Friday by Ayomide Eweje, MRA’s programme officer, described section 3.1.8 as “nebulous”, pointing out that it merely states that content classified as ‘Not To Be Broadcast’ (NTBB) should not be aired, without specifying what qualifies as NTBB or the criteria for such classification.

The group said the provision enables “arbitrary decisions” and that the NBC’s directive represents a “misuse” of regulatory authority.

“The NBC’s decision to ban a socially and politically conscious song without a clear legal basis or due process is censorship,” the statement reads.

“It is an attempt to stifle artistic expression and silence dissenting voices, both of which are fundamental to a democratic society.

“Such actions violate Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which guarantees the right to freedom of expression, and undermine Nigeria’s obligations under international human rights instruments, including Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.”

The rights group said artists have the right to critique governance and raise awareness through their work, and that the NBC should operate within legal boundaries.

MRA called on the NBC to immediately rescind the ban on ‘Tell Your Papa’ and refrain from actions that erode public trust, infringe on constitutional rights, and shrink the civic space.

The organisation urged media, creative sector stakeholders, and civil society to resist attempts to muzzle freedom of expression under the guise of regulation.