Human rights watchdog Amnesty International has condemned the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) for banning Nigerian rapper Eedris Abdulkareem’s latest protest song “Tell Your Papa,” calling the move a clear violation of fundamental human rights.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the organization described the ban as “unlawful, arbitrary, and deeply worrying,” asserting that it reflects an increasing trend of censorship and intolerance under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
“The National Broadcasting Commission’s blatant ban of Eedris Abdulkareem’s song Tell Your Papa is a clear violation of freedom of expression, which includes the right to seek and receive information,” Amnesty International said.
The NBC had earlier classified the politically charged song as “Not To Be Broadcast,” citing provisions in the Nigerian Broadcasting Code. The track criticizes the government and highlights Nigeria’s social and economic challenges.
However, Amnesty rejected the justification, arguing that censoring the song solely for its criticism of those in power constitutes an abuse of authority.
“Labeling a song as ‘Not To Be Broadcast’ simply because it critiques the government is unacceptable and incompatible with the right to access information and media freedom,” the group stated.
Amnesty International urged President Tinubu to direct the NBC to lift the ban immediately, warning that the decision could have damaging effects on artistic expression, media freedom, and democratic engagement in the country.
“The arbitrary and unlawful ban by the NBC could have a disproportionate and chilling impact on radio and television stations across Nigeria. This clampdown on artistic freedom is an appalling reminder that creatives risk being silenced. Nothing justifies stifling creativity,” the statement read.
The organization further noted that the ban places Nigeria in breach of its international obligations under treaties such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights—both of which guarantee the right to free expression and artistic liberty.
Amnesty also criticized the Nigerian Broadcasting Code as “deeply flawed and problematic,” saying it has long been used as a tool to suppress dissent and muzzle the press.
“The incident highlights the urgent need for reform. The NBC’s regulatory framework must be reviewed to ensure it supports, rather than stifles, democratic freedoms,” Amnesty stated.
Concluding its statement, Amnesty International warned that if the ban is allowed to stand, it could set a dangerous precedent for broader government censorship.
“It is not too late for President Tinubu’s administration to reverse this action. Failure to do so risks encouraging further repression and generating a climate of fear,” the organization warned.
