The Federal Government, through the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), has officially banned the broadcast of veteran rapper Eedris Abdulkareem’s latest protest song, ‘Tell Your Papa’, on all radio and television stations across the country.
In a memo dated April 9, 2025, and sent to broadcast stations nationwide, the NBC described the song as “objectionable” and in clear violation of Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, which prohibits content deemed “inappropriate, offensive, or in breach of public decency.”
The directive, titled “Restriction on Broadcasting ‘Tell Your Papa’ by Eedris Abdulkareem”, was signed by Susan Obi, Coordinating Director of Broadcast Monitoring at the Commission.
According to the memo:
“The National Broadcasting Commission has identified the song ‘Tell Your Papa’ by Eedris Abdulkareem, currently trending on social media, as content deemed inappropriate for broadcast due to its objectionable nature.”
Though the directive does not mention President Bola Tinubu by name, the track’s biting critique of leadership and governance under the current administration is believed to have prompted the broadcast ban.
The Commission urged all media outlets to exercise discretion and strictly comply with the ban to uphold “responsible broadcasting standards.”
Lagos Reporters will continue to monitor reactions and developments surrounding this controversial directive.