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Media Rights Agenda, MRA, has criticized the National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, over its recent directive banning Nigerian radio and television stations from airing the song “Tell Your Papa” by rapper Eedris Abdulkareem.
MRA, in a statement issued out on Friday by its Communication Officer, Idowu Adewale, labeled the move a gross abuse of regulatory authority, a breach of constitutional rights, and a dangerous encroachment on freedom of expression.
The NBC, through a memo dated April 9 and signed by its Coordinating Director of Broadcast Monitoring, Ms. Susan Obi, directed all broadcast stations nationwide to refrain from airing the track.
The Commission cited the song’s “objectionable” content, classifying it as “Not To Be Broadcast” (NTBB) under Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.
In response, MRA through its Programme Officer, Ms. Ayomide Eweje, condemning the NBC’s action. She described the referenced section of the Broadcasting Code as vague and lacking clear criteria for content classification.
According to her, the provision provides no explanation of what constitutes NTBB content, leaving room for arbitrary and politically motivated decisions.
“This directive is nothing short of censorship,” Eweje said. “It shows a troubling misuse of regulatory powers by the NBC, which seems to have mistaken its role as a neutral media regulator for that of a government mouthpiece.”
Eweje argued that banning a socially and politically conscious song without due process or legal clarity is a violation of the right to freedom of expression guaranteed by Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution.
She also noted that the ban contravenes Nigeria’s obligations under international human rights laws, including Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
“Artists have every right to use their platforms to comment on governance, raise public awareness, and reflect societal concerns,” she added. “The NBC must operate within the law and resist becoming an instrument for silencing dissent.”
MRA called on the NBC to immediately lift the ban on “Tell Your Papa” and avoid actions that could undermine public trust, infringe on constitutional freedoms, or shrink Nigeria’s civic space.
The organization also urged stakeholders in the media, creative industries, and civil society to oppose efforts to curtail freedom of expression under the guise of regulation.
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MRA condemns NBC ban on Eedris Abdulkareem’s song – Daily Post Nigeria
