Court dismisses another appeal against judgment banning NBC from fining broadcast stations.

A Nigerian appellate court has dismissed another appeal challenging a judgment that restricts the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) from imposing fines on broadcast stations.

The case stems from a 2021 ruling by the Federal High Court, which held that the NBC lacked the legal authority to unilaterally impose fines on radio and television stations without proper judicial backing. The judgment was secured by the Media Rights Agenda (MRA).

The latest appeal sought to overturn that decision, but the court dismissed it, effectively reaffirming the earlier ruling. As a result, the judgment preventing the NBC from imposing fines on broadcasters remains in force unless overturned by a higher court.

The ruling is considered significant for media freedom advocates, who have argued that allowing a regulator to impose fines without judicial oversight could undermine freedom of expression and press freedom. Supporters of the NBC, however, have maintained that the commission needs enforcement powers to regulate broadcasting standards.

For broadcasters across Nigeria, the decision means the longstanding court order against NBC’s practice of directly fining stations remains valid.