The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Federal Government of Nigeria and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to reverse the ban on Eedris Abdulkareem’s latest protest song, “Tell Your Papa”.
SERAP describes the ban as a violation of the artist’s right to freedom of expression.
The NBC declared the song “Not To Be Broadcast” (NTBB) on April 9, 2025, citing Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, which prohibits materials deemed offensive or against public decency. The song reportedly criticizes the current administration over economic hardship and governance failures.
“The Tinubu administration must immediately reverse the unlawful ban by the National Broadcasting Commission stopping Nigerian radio and TV stations from airing Eedris Abdulkareem’s new single,” SERAP said. “We’ll see in court if the ban is not reversed within 48 hours.”
Eedris Abdulkareem is known for his socially conscious and politically charged music, often commenting on governance, corruption, and social justice. Critics have described the NBC’s decision as an attempt to silence dissent and suppress artistic freedom.
SERAP’s ultimatum has sparked a heated debate about artistic freedom and the role of regulatory bodies in Nigeria’s entertainment industry. If the ban is not reversed within 48 hours, the case may end up in court, potentially setting a precedent for future cases involving artistic expression and government regulation.
