Media rules tightened ahead of elections

Nigeria’s broadcast regulator has barred radio and television presenters from airing personal opinions, intimidating guests or broadcasting divisive political content, warning of sanctions ahead of the 2027 general elections. Africa’s largest democracy goes to the polls in January following past election cycles marred by misinformation and sporadic violence, reports CNBC Africa. In a notice issued on Friday, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) said it would strictly enforce provisions of the broadcasting code that prohibit presenters from passing personal views as fact, denying opposing perspectives a fair hearing or airing hateful or inflammatory material capable of inciting disorder or undermining constitutional authority and national cohesion. While comparable restrictions on broadcaster conduct exist in other democracies during campaigns, critics say enforcement in Nigeria has historically been uneven. Some opposition figures and rights groups criticised the directive, saying it risked shrinking civic space. Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, who has signalled his intention to run in next year’s presidential election, said the move amounted to an attempt to ‘muzzle the media and shrink the space for free expression’. The Socio‑Economic Rights and Accountability Project criticised the regulator’s notice. ‘The NBC’s notice represents a dangerous attempt to impose prior censorship on the media and suppress legitimate journalistic expression,’ said Kolawole Oluwadare, the group’s deputy director. Amnesty International Nigeria also condemned the move, warning it could pressure journalists and media organisations into self‑censorship.

Full CNBC Africa report

Meanwhile, Tinubu has sacked his Finance Minister and replaced him with a junior Minister, as he seeks to shore up support for his sweeping economic reforms ahead of next year's general elections, reports africanews. Wale Edun, who served as finance commissioner during Tinubu's first-term tenure as Lagos Governor between 1999 and 2004, was replaced by Taiwo Oyedele, a former PricewaterhouseCoopers tax expert. Oyedele played a central role in the administration's tax overhaul, which took effect at the start of the year. A statement from the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, announcing Edun's removal gave no reason for the decision. Tinubu also removed Housing Minister Ahmed Musa Dangiwa and replaced him with Muttaqha Rabe Darma. The reshuffle comes as Tinubu looks to shore up support for his economic reforms ahead of next year's general election. Nigeria is grappling with inflation, weak currency and the impact of fiscal changes introduced by the current administration. Analysts say Oyedele's appointment shows Tinubu is looking to steady implementation while pushing ahead with the reforms. Rumours of Edun's imminent exit began last year. He championed several reforms in the Tinubu administration, including the decision that all revenues from petroleum operations be paid directly into the federation account to plug leakages. The decision barred the state-owned Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited from making deductions from oil proceeds. The oil giant, structured like Saudi Arabia's Aramco, has long been accused of opaque operations and corruption, with Edun saying a forensic audit of the company was underway.

Full africanews report