Prosper Okoye
Nigeria’s broadcast regulator on Tuesday said it is tightening oversight of media content to better protect children from harmful and inappropriate material, citing rising risks linked to digital platforms.
The Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission, Charles Ebuebu, said the move includes stricter enforcement of existing broadcasting rules and a review of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code to address challenges posed by online content and user-generated material.
Speaking at the 2026 Child and Society Conference in Abuja, Ebuebu said the rapid growth of digital media has exposed children to new threats, including online exploitation, cyberbullying and harmful content, requiring a stronger regulatory response.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelHe said broadcasters would be held accountable for all content on their platforms, including user-generated material, stressing that stations must ensure such content complies with the national code or face sanctions.
Under existing regulations, the code prohibits obscene or indecent content, restricts the broadcast of violent material during family viewing hours and mandates that at least 10% of airtime be dedicated to children’s programming.
Ebuebu said the commission is also stepping up monitoring and enforcement, warning that repeated violations of child protection rules could lead to fines, suspension or revocation of licences.
He added that the regulator has begun consultations to update the broadcasting code, focusing on the convergence of traditional broadcasting and digital platforms.
The commission is also working with stakeholders, including the Child Protection Network Nigeria, to improve compliance and strengthen safeguards for children.
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Ebuebu called for collaboration among government agencies, broadcasters, parents and civil society groups to protect children in the media space, urging media organisations to prioritise ethical standards and act as “guardians of public trust.”
The conference, organised by the Child Protection Network with support from government and non-governmental organisations, was held under the theme “Protecting Children in a Changing World: Technology, Trends, and Transformation” and brought together government officials and civil society groups to address child protection in a rapidly evolving digital environment.
Prosper Okoye is a Correspondent and Research Writer at Prime Business Africa, a Nigerian journalist with experience in development reporting, public affairs, and policy-focused storytelling across Africa
