Amnesty International Nigeria has strongly criticised the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) for its decision to prohibit the broadcast of Nigerian rapper Eedris Abdulkareem’s politically charged song titled “Tell Your Papa.” The global human rights organisation has described the action as a clear breach of the right to freedom of expression and access to information.
In an official statement posted on its Facebook page, Amnesty International condemned the NBC’s classification of the song as “Not To Be Broadcast.” The organisation argued that this designation, reportedly based on the song’s critical stance towards those in government, amounts to the misuse of regulatory power to suppress dissent.
Amnesty International stated that this move reflects a growing intolerance for opposing viewpoints and artistic critique within the country. It called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately instruct the NBC to lift the ban, asserting that criticism of government officials does not justify censorship under Nigerian or international law.
The organisation further challenged the legal basis used by the NBC to justify its action. It questioned the application of the Nigerian Broadcasting Code, describing it as fundamentally flawed and open to abuse. According to Amnesty International, the code has often been used to silence voices that challenge the status quo or question the actions of those in power.
In its detailed response, the group expressed concern that the enforcement of the ban could have a broader chilling effect on the creative industry. It warned that artists, journalists, and broadcasters may begin to self-censor for fear of reprisal or punitive measures from regulatory bodies.
The organisation argued that the suppression of such works violates multiple international treaties to which Nigeria is a signatory. Specifically, it pointed to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, both of which protect the right to free speech and media freedom.
Additionally, Amnesty called for urgent reforms to NBC’s regulatory framework. It urged the government to eliminate overreaching censorship clauses that restrict legitimate expression and public discourse. According to the organisation, the current structure allows authorities to stifle creativity under the guise of regulation.
The statement comes at a critical time, as the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has also entered the conversation. SERAP recently issued a 48-hour deadline to both the Nigerian government and the NBC, demanding the immediate reversal of the ban on Abdulkareem’s song. SERAP’s intervention adds further urgency to the growing call for accountability and respect for civil liberties.
Amnesty International concluded its statement by reminding the Tinubu administration of its responsibility to uphold the constitutional and international standards for freedom of expression. It warned that continued enforcement of the ban could signal a broader regression in human rights and freedom of the press in Nigeria.
The song, “Tell Your Papa,” which addresses corruption and leadership accountability, has sparked debate nationwide. Critics of the ban argue that silencing such content sets a dangerous precedent for artistic freedom and civil discourse in Nigeria’s democratic space.
As pressure mounts from both domestic and international rights groups, attention now turns to the government’s response. Will the administration side with freedom of expression—or continue down the path of censorship?
