General News
2023 Elections: SERAP Gives Buhari 48 Hours to Withdraw Threat to Shut Down Broadcast Stations
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to “instruct Mr Lai Mohammed, Minister of Information and Culture, and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to urgently withdraw the ‘last warning’ and threat to revoke the licenses of broadcast stations and shut them down over their coverage of elections and post-election matters.”
The NBC had last week threatened to revoke the licenses of broadcast stations and shut them down “if they continue to allow unpatriotic individuals on their platforms to make utterances that are subversive, hateful, and inciting, and negative conversations particularly in the post-2023 Presidential Election.”
But in a letter dated 11 March, 2023 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization said, “The ‘last warning’ and threat by the NBC if not immediately withdrawn would limit freedom of expression and the ability of broadcast stations to cover important issues around the 2023 general elections.”
According to SERAP, “Threatening to shut down and revoke the licences of broadcast stations simply for carrying out their ‘watchdog role’ is clearly incompatible with Nigeria’s constitutional and international human rights obligations.”
The letter, read in part: “Political expression is a fundamental right. The threat by the NBC creates a significant risk that legitimate expression may be prohibited.”
“Such unlawful prohibition may prevent transparency and dissemination of information on legitimate issues of public interest around the 2023 general elections.”
“We would be grateful if the requested action is taken within 48 hours of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest.”
“The threat may produce a direct impact on the work of broadcast stations in ways that are inconsistent with the right to freedom of expression, access to information and media freedom.”
“Your government has a legal responsibility to ensure an environment in which a diverse range of political opinions and ideas around the general elections can be freely and openly expressed and debated.”
“The threat by the NBC is neither necessary nor proportionate, as it would unduly intrude upon Nigerians’ right to freedom of expression, access to information, and media freedom.”
“The use of vague and undefined phrases such as ‘unpatriotic individuals’ ‘subversive, hateful, and inciting utterances, particularly post-election’, as grounds to threaten to shut down broadcast stations is inconsistent and incompatible with human rights requirements.”
“The Nigerian Constitution and human rights treaties impose legal obligations on your government to refrain from imposing restrictions which are not consistent with human rights requirements, including on discussion of political and election-related issues.”
“It is also inconsistent with constitutional and international human rights requirements to threaten broadcast stations solely for their coverage of the issues around the general elections on the basis of vague phrases such as ‘unguarded statements, divisive and dangerous comments’, ‘negative conversations’ used by the NBC.”
“The threat may stifle reporting on political and election-related issues, as well as have a deterrent effect on the public’s exercise of their right to freedom of expression on political and election-related issues, in particular issues deemed controversial or critical.”
“The threat also represents a serious hindrance to the exercise of journalism, media diversity and media freedom, and participation.”
“This kind of threat to journalism has furthermore serious implications on the public’s right to information, in particular in the context of the general elections where the role of the media is of particular importance.”
“SERAP notes that Section 39(1) of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended), Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Nigeria is a state party protect everyone’s right to maintain an opinion without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers.”
“Under the Constitution and these human rights treaties, restrictions on the right to freedom of expression must be ‘provided by law’, and necessary for ‘the rights or reputations of others’ or ‘for the protection of national security or of public order (ordre public), or of public health and morals’.”
“Similarly, the Nigerian Constitution and human rights treaties provide for the rights of individuals to be protected, inter alia, against unlawful or arbitrary interference, and provide that everyone has the right to the protection of the law against such interference.”
“‘Unlawful’ means that no interference may take place except in cases envisaged by the law which in itself must comply with the requirements of human rights and the rule of law.”
“Media coverage of the general elections and post-election matters, and media freedom are closely connected, as access to information is an essential requirement for the realization of the rights to freedom of expression and participation.”
“Similarly, phrases such as ‘unguarded statements, divisive and dangerous comments’, ‘negative conversations’ used by the NBC lack sufficient clarity and can be arbitrarily or discriminatorily applied and enforced.”
“The ‘last warning’ and threat by the NBC would seem not to meet the strict requirements of the Nigerian Constitution and the country’s international human rights obligations. In particular, it is unclear the scope or object of what these wordings seek to prohibit.”
“Under the constitutional and international requirement of legality, it is not enough that restrictions on freedom of expression, access to information and media freedom are formally stated in press releases and regulations.”
“The NBC legislation and codes do not confer unfettered discretion for the restriction of freedom of expression on those charged with their implementation.”
“The requirement of legality also serves to define the scope of legal discretion conferred on implementing authorities in order to provide adequate protection against arbitrary implementation.”
“General prohibitions on the dissemination of information based on vague and ambiguous ideas, including ‘unguarded statements, divisive and dangerous comments’, ‘negative conversations’ are incompatible with legal requirements and should be immediately withdrawn.”
“According to our information, Mall. Balarabe Shehu Ilelah, Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) on Tuesday 7 March 2023 reportedly made the NBC’s ‘last warning to broadcast stations’. The NBC ‘will not hesitate to shut down any station or revoke its licence once it is convinced that the activities of the station is capable of undermining the peaceful co-existence of the country.”
Abba Aliyu, the Chief Executive Officer, Rural Electrification Agency (REA), says the agency has provided electricity access to about eight million Nigerians out of the 90 million people said to be without electricity supply.
He stated that the electricity provision was made under the Nigeria Electrification Project in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to close the energy deficit gap. He added that the agency planned to ensure that many more Nigerian benefit from the scheme in 2025.
Aliyu said: “There are reports that many Nigerians don’t have access to electricity. But under the Nigeria Electrification Project, we have provided electricity to eight million Nigerians. We also have a programme that is targeting 17.5 million people. So, in three years 17.5 million people will also be out of darkness.
“We are currently working on deploying 42 interconnected mini-grids, and six have already been completed in Osun, Plateau, Cross River, and Niger State. “We are moving away from the traditional concept of government issuing contracts. What we are doing is incentivising the private sector to deploy infrastructure.
This ensures sustainability because they have their own money at stake.” He added: “It is a myth to continuously think that government infrastructure is deployed and not working. The projects we are deploying, more especially those under the private sector, are working.
“Part of the discussion during the President’s visit to Japan was a $190m co-financing agreement with JICA for the distributed access programme. That will provide electricity to an additional 1.83 million Nigerians.
“Before this administration, the country only had 120 megawatts of solar assembly capacity. Today, we have over 600 megawatts, and with new projects signed, Nigeria will soon hit close to three gigawatts. This shows that dependence on imported panels is being reversed.”
Exhibitors at the recently concluded Fidelity Nigeria International Trade & Creative Connect (FNITCC) in Atlanta, Georgia have lauded the event as a transformative platform for showcasing Nigerian non-oil exports and businesses on the global stage.
Hosted by Fidelity Bank Plc in collaboration with AFRICON from September 18 to 20, 2025, FNITCC brought together innovative, export-ready Nigerian enterprises across diverse sectors—including fashion, arts, manufacturing, and technology—creating a vibrant space for commerce, connection, and cultural celebration.
Praised for its energy and flawless execution, FNITCC Atlanta 2025 marked a significant leap forward from previous editions. With increased attendance, enhanced booth setups, and deeper engagement, participants described the experience as “a clear step up” and “more impactful than ever.”
“It was an honor to exhibit among such a vibrant community of creatives, entrepreneurs, and cultural ambassadors. We left FNITCC 2025 with new customers, meaningful connections, and a renewed sense of purpose. Well done to Fidelity Bank for championing Nigerian businesses and bridging global markets,” shared the By Nuga Designs team.
Exhibitors also highlighted the power of community and resilience, recounting moments of spontaneous international deals and heartfelt support.
“Last year, I was devastated when our goods didn’t arrive on time,” one exhibitor recalled. “But this year, even in my absence, my fellow AWE sisters stepped in. A surprise visit from a buyer led to an impromptu video-call deal that changed everything. FNITCC reminded me that connections often matter more than sales.”
Gratitude flowed freely for the Fidelity Bank team and the behind-the-scenes contributors who ensured the event’s success.
“On behalf of FSGF AFRICA LTD, I extend our deepest gratitude to Fidelity Bank for hosting such a wonderful event,” said another exhibitor. “To the Fidelity team—your warmth, professionalism, and commitment made this experience truly remarkable.”
FNITCC 2025 also celebrated Nigerian excellence and the rising influence of women-led businesses.
“Wow! Sisters online, making the impossible possible! This is the Africa we want. Nigerians are believing in Made-in-Nigeria products—and that belief is powerful,” shared one emotionally moved participant.
“Fidelity is carving out a big slice in Nigeria’s story of entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship—and doing it with focus,” added another.
Reflecting on the vision behind FNITCC, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, Managing Director and CEO of Fidelity Bank Plc, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to expanding Nigeria-U.S. trade beyond oil. She noted that while Nigeria’s non-oil exports currently stand at under $5 billion annually, the potential is immense. “At Fidelity Bank, we believe access to global markets is a pathway to shared prosperity. That belief inspired the creation of FNITCC,” she said.
FNITCC 2025 demonstrated that when Nigerian innovation meets global opportunity, extraordinary outcomes follow. As Fidelity Bank continues to invest in platforms that amplify local talent and drive cross-border growth, the future of Nigerian enterprise shines brighter than ever.
Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 9.1 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.
The Bank is the recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine. Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.
BlackHouse Media (BHM) in partnership with Allison Worldwide, and The King’s Trust Group has announced the stellar line-up of speakers for the second edition of the exclusive Africa Breakfast Conversations (ABC), taking place on Friday, 26 September 2025 at the World Trade Center, New York, on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 80).
Headlining the event is an exclusive fireside chat featuring one of Africa’s most influential business leaders, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede — Chairman of Access Bank, CEO of Coronation Group, and a member of The King’s Trust Africa Advisory Board. Aig-Imoukhuede, one of Africa’s most respected bankers and investors, and his session will focus on Africa’s Investment Landscape, exploring high-impact investment opportunities, bridging African entrepreneurs to global capital, and unlocking Africa’s youth as an investment engine.
Under the theme “African Innovation: Building Together for Sustainable Development,” this high-level gathering will unite influential voices from business, government, technology, media, and philanthropy to explore how African-led innovation and cross-sector partnerships can fast-track progress toward the UN SDGs.
The 2025 edition features high-level conversations, including a panel titled, Generation Potential — Powering Africa’s Youth Through Nutrition, Skills, Access & Opportunity. This panel session will feature bold conversation on fueling Africa’s future through nutrition, education, and opportunity and will feature the following panelists:
- Wawira Njiru, Founder & CEO, Food4Education; delivering 500,000+ daily subsidised school meals in Kenya while building local supply chains and creating jobs for youths and women.
- Geoffrey Kasangaki, CEO, Asante Africa Foundation; equipping 800,000+ rural youth with life skills, leadership training, and job readiness training to accelerate classroom learning and develop future leaders, confident job seekers and innovative entrepreneurs.
- Abeiku Greene, Outgoing Executive Director, Junior Achievement Ghana; preparing over 200,000 youth for the future of work through financial literacy and entrepreneurship education.
- Ben Ovio, Chief Responsibility Executive, ENDIP International, advancing education, youth enterprise development, technical vocational skills training, and community empowerment to create sustainable impact across West and East Africa.
The panel will be moderated by Claudine Moore, Managing Director, Africa, Allison Worldwide and one of ABC’s hosts.
Panel two will focus on Africa’s Role in the Future of Technology, Media, AI & Finance, exploring how Africa’s tech and creative ecosystems are shaping global influence. This will be led by leading industry experts and business leaders including:
- Iyin Aboyeji, Founding Partner, Future Africa; co-founder of Flutterwave and Andela, catalysing Africa’s tech start-up economy.
- Ayeni Adekunle, Founder & CEO, BHM; redefining modern PR and brand storytelling across Africa’s creative industries.
- Kayode Akintemi, Managing Director, News Central TV; building one of Africa’s fastest-growing pan-African news platforms.
- Cuppy, DJ, Philanthropist & King’s Trust Global Ambassador; championing youth empowerment and education through her global platform.
- Sonny Irosche, Senior Academic Advisor, African Studies Centre, Oxford University & AI for Business, Said Business School, providing strategic insights on AI adoption and governance in Africa.
This panel will be moderated by Wendu Nwakanma, Vice President, Northeast Regional Business Development Lead, Goldman Sachs.
The event will also feature the launch of the Second Edition of the Africa Business Cultural Intelligence Report by Allison Africa, offering actionable insights for global and pan-African businesses operating in five high-potential economies including Ghana, Rwanda, Egypt, Angola, and Côte d’Ivoire.
“Africa’s growth story is real and the Africa Breakfast Conversations is fast becoming the go-to platform for authentic cross-sector collaboration around Africa’s development”- Claudine Moore, Managing Director, Africa at Allison Worldwide. “From youthful innovators to tech disruptors and global investors, the event will spark the bold ideas, partnerships, and investments that will power Africa’s next decade of growth.”
Launched in 2024 by Allison Worldwide and BHM in partnership, Africa Breakfast Conversations was created to foster meaningful dialogue between African innovators, global investors, and development leaders during UNGA. Click here to register to attend
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