The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has expressed concern over a growing lack of professionalism among anchors and presenters. The commission warned that violations of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code will attract sanctions, particularly as the 2027 general elections draw nearer.

In a statement released on Friday, the NBC highlighted a "disturbing departure from the core principles of broadcast journalism." The commission noted a trend where presenters are increasingly breaching ethical standards concerning fairness, balance, and neutrality.

Specific concerns include presenters expressing personal opinions as facts, failing to provide equal representation to opposing viewpoints, and allowing inflammatory or divisive content on programmes. These actions, the NBC stated, violate the code's provisions requiring accuracy, professionalism, and responsible conduct.

The commission warned that any anchor found to have "expressed personal opinion as fact, bullied or intimidated a guest, or denied fair hearing to opposing views" would be deemed to have committed a Class B breach. It was emphasized that editorial responsibility lies exclusively with broadcasters and cannot be transferred to guests, even during live broadcasts.

The NBC indicated that these concerns are part of a broader pattern of a "sustained increase in breaches" across news, current affairs, and political programmes. Broadcast platforms are increasingly being used in ways that deviate from their obligation to inform the public with accuracy and professionalism.

Furthermore, the commission highlighted the misuse of broadcast platforms by political actors to air content that could incite disorder, spread hate speech, and undermine national unity. The NBC stressed its commitment to enforcing "strict and uncompromised compliance" with all provisions of the code.

The commission warned that "inflammatory, divisive, or unsubstantiated broadcasts will attract regulatory sanctions," underscoring that compliance is "mandatory, not discretionary." As the country approaches a critical electoral period, the NBC urged broadcasters to ensure responsible discourse.

The airwaves, the NBC stated, must not "amplify tension or propagate misinformation" but should remain platforms for credible information and national cohesion.