Broadcasting
Some NBC Broadcasting Codes Violate Human Rights- ECOWAS Court
The ECOWAS Court of Justice has declared some provisions of the the Nigeria Broadcasting Code as infringements on Nigerian citizens’ rights, including freedom of expression.
The affected provisions of the law, the sixth edition, are Articles 3 (1) (1), 3(1) (2), 15(2) (1) of the NBC and Article 15 (5) (1) of the Amendments to the code.
The court, according to a statement from its communications unit, delivered the judgement on 23 October, declaring that the codes “contravene Article 9 (1) & (2) of the African Charter on human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR)”.
“Consequently, it ordered the Respondent (the Nigerian government) to align Articles 3 (1) (1), 3(1) (2), 15(2) (1) of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code (6th Edition) and Article 15 (5) (1) of the Amendments to the Nigeria Broadcasting Code (6th Edition) with its international obligations.
“In addition, it ordered that the Respondent ceases to give effect to Articles 3 (1) (1), 3(1) (2), 15(2) (1) of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code (6th Edition) and Article 15 (5) (1) of the Amendments to the Nigeria Broadcasting Code (6th Edition) until it has aligned same as ordered.
“It dismissed all other claims by the Applicants,” the statement said.
The suit was filed by a civil society organisation, Expression now Human Rights Initiative.
JUDGMENT OF THE COURT IN THE CASE: THE INCORPORATED TRUSTEES OF EXPRESSION NOW HUMAN RIGHTS INITIATIVE AGAINST THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA
APPLICATION NO: ECW/CCJ/APP/35/40
The ECOWAS Court of Justice, on Monday 23rd October 2023 delivered a judgment in the case brought by the Incorporated Trustees of Expression now Human Rights Initiative before it alleging the violation of various human rights enshrined in fundamental human rights law, particularly the freedom of expression by the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The Applicant, The Incorporated Trustees of Expression now Human Rights Initiative, a Non-Governmental Organization, focused on protecting Nigerian citizens’ freedom of expression both offline and online, collaborates with bloggers and journalists.
It argues that the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, a federal law, restricts freedom of expression through specific provisions (Articles 3 (1) (1), 3 (1) (2), and Amendment Article 15 (5) (1)).
The Applicant alleges that these provisions infringe upon their freedom of expression rights, as well as those of their agents and collaborators, and seeks court declarations and orders.
The Respondent, the Federal Republic of Nigeria, denies violating the Applicant’s freedom of expression and emphasises its duty to protect citizens’ rights.
It argues that the Code aims to promote local content, prevent monopolistic practices, and boost advertising revenue for local broadcasters and content producers.
The Respondent states that the National Broadcasting Commission can penalise stations for broadcasting content that incites hate or public disorder.
It denies using the Code to stifle freedom of expression or harass the Applicant and seek court declarations, including dismissing the suit for lack of merit.
By its judgment of 23 October 2023, after acknowledging its jurisdiction and declaring the application admissible, the Court ruled that Articles 3 (1) (1), 3(1) (2), 15(2) (1) of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code (6th Edition) and Article 15 (5) (1) of the Amendments to the Nigeria Broadcasting Code (6th Edition) contravenes Article 9 (1) & (2) of the African Charter on human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR).
Mr. Tim Akano, New Horizons Chief Executive Officer, took centre stage at the Nigerian Information Technology Reporters’ Association (NITRA) annual end-of-year meeting on Thursday, December 18, 2025, recounting the company’s remarkable growth and reaffirming free IT training for journalists.
Tim Akano, New Horizons Chief Executive Officer, in a group photograph with NITRA Members
Speaking directly to IT media members at the company’s training facility in Lagos, Akano acknowledged the critical role journalists played in supporting New Horizons during its formative years two decades ago.
He detailed how the firm evolved from a handful of staff to one of Africa’s leading ICT skills training organisations, now employing about 500 staff across multiple training centres nationwide.
Akano Spotlights Youth Training, University Partnerships
Akano highlighted that New Horizons has trained over 500,000 youths, particularly tertiary institution students, equipping them with practical IT skills essential for Nigeria’s digital economy.
He announced recent partnerships with universities, including a new agreement with Afe Babalola University, to scale hands-on training programmes for students.
“This growth would not have been possible without the media’s support in documenting our journey,” Akano stated, pledging continued free IT skills training for media members to remain competitive in the evolving digital landscape.
Reciprocal Support Defines Long-Standing Partnership
The venue hosting the NITRA meeting underscored Akano’s generosity; NITRA Secretary Chidiebere Nwankwo secured the free facility after contacting him—a gesture consistent with New Horizons hosting multiple association events and training IT journalists since its inception 20 years ago.
Participants shared personal testimonies of Akano’s support, including veteran journalist Aaron Ukodie, whose daughter—an Accounting graduate from the University of Johannesburg—received NYSC placement and IT scholarship at New Horizons.
The Guardian’s Yemi Adeyemi recounted Akano accommodating his editor’s child for mandatory IT training after other firms declined.
Members praised Akano’s commitment to human capital development as evidence of deep appreciation for the media community that chronicled New Horizons’ success over two decades.
National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has launched the NIMC Pre-Enrolment Portal to revolutionise the National Identification Number (NIN) enrolment process, enabling applicants within Nigeria and in the Diaspora to capture biodata online prior to biometric verification at enrolment centres.
NIMC
Accessible via penrol.nimc.gov.ng, the platform allows users to fill enrolment forms, schedule appointments, upload supporting documents securely, and manage personal details directly, thereby slashing congestion, minimising wait times, boosting data accuracy and enhancing overall service efficiency at centres nationwide.
NIMC Director-General and CEO, Engr. (Dr) Abisoye Coker-Odusote, spearheaded the initiative as part of the Commission’s technology-driven strategy to fortify institutional performance, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda that emphasises digital transformation, efficient public service delivery and inclusive national development.
Dr Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications, highlighted key benefits including simplified biodata handling, confidential data protection through robust security measures, reduced physical centre visits and heightened operational effectiveness, urging all prospective enrollees to adopt the portal for a faster, citizen-friendly experience.[conversation_history]
The move underscores NIMC’s mandate under the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007 to manage the National Identity Database, issue NINs and foster a reliable digital identity ecosystem vital for national planning, with users advised to complete pre-enrolment online before heading to selected centres for biometrics.
MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF), a Pan-African film and television training institution, has announced the opening of applications for its 2026 intake.
MultiChoice
The fully funded programme is open to African graduates aspiring to become directors, filmmakers, scriptwriters, producers and storytellers.
According to MultiChoice, the nine-month accredited curriculum combines online learning with intensive in-person training, and is designed to balance theoretical knowledge with practical immersion.
MTF academies are located in Kenya, Nigeria and Zambia, and serve aspiring filmmakers from 14 African countries. Since its inception in 2018, the initiative has trained 296 filmmakers, with graduates producing more than 42 movies aired on DStv, GOtv and Showmax platforms.
Organisers said alumni of the programme have gone on to establish over 50 production companies, while many continue to work within the MultiChoice ecosystem.
Graduates have also won accolades at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, Kalasha Awards, Uganda Film Festival and Women in Film Awards.
Applications for the 2026 intake close on Feb. 27, 2026. Interested candidates can visit https://apo-opa.co/3XW53oE for programme requirements.
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