The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued a stern 48-hour ultimatum to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), demanding the immediate reversal of the ban placed on Nigerian rapper Eedris Abdulkareem’s latest protest single, “Tell Your Papa.”
In a statement posted Thursday on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, SERAP described the NBC’s move as unconstitutional and a direct assault on the freedom of expression. The group warned that failure to lift the ban would lead to swift legal action.
“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 emphasized. “We’ll see in court if the ban is not reversed within 48 hours.”
The NBC’s memo, dated April 9, 2025, and signed by Susan Obi, the Coordinating Director of Broadcast Monitoring, labeled the song Not To Be Broadcast (NTBB). Citing Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, the commission claimed the track violated broadcast standards due to its “offensive and indecent content.”
The memo, titled “Restriction on Broadcasting ‘Tell Your Papa’ by Eedris Abdulkareem,” advised all broadcast stations to exercise discretion and refrain from airing the song in order to uphold national broadcasting ethics.
Eedris Abdulkareem is no stranger to controversy. Known for his fearless commentary on political and social issues, he has built a career challenging the establishment through music.
“Tell Your Papa” reportedly criticizes the federal government for worsening economic conditions, corruption, and what he describes as failures in leadership.
Critics React
The decision by the NBC has sparked outrage among many Nigerians, artists, civil society groups, and free speech advocates. Many view the ban as an attempt to stifle dissenting voices and curtail artistic expression in a democratic society.
“It’s alarming that in 2025, we’re still witnessing such blatant censorship,” said Mary Olawale, a Lagos-based music journalist. “Music has always been a tool for protest and change. Silencing it only proves the message is hitting the right nerve.”
Human rights groups have also echoed SERAP’s call, demanding a reversal of the ban and calling for the protection of freedom of speech in the media space.
A Larger Pattern of Censorship?
This incident adds to a growing list of concerns surrounding media freedom and the tightening of creative expression in Nigeria. Over the years, artists, journalists, and content creators have reported increasing pressure from regulatory bodies, often under the guise of upholding morality or national unity.
Observers warn that suppressing protest songs like “Tell Your Papa” could discourage artists from using their platforms to speak on issues affecting the masses — a move that may further disconnect the government from public sentiment.
As SERAP’s deadline looms, the public awaits a response from the Tinubu administration and NBC. The outcome may not only determine the fate of the song but also set a precedent for how Nigeria handles freedom of expression in the digital and creative space.
Should protest songs be banned or protected as free speech? Drop your thoughts in the comments and follow NIGPOST for more updates on Nigeria’s fight for artistic and civil liberties.
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