473
By Lizzy Chirkpi
Prominent human rights lawyer and activist, Maduabuchi Idam, has filed a formal petition with the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), calling for the immediate ban or strict regulation of the ongoing Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) reality show over what he describes as “obscene, indecent, and profane” content.
This is contained in a letter titled “Urgent need to ban or regulate the content of the television programme ‘Big Brother Naija’ for obscene, indecent, and profane content, pursuant to the NBC Act 1999.”
He accused the show of airing sexually explicit and morally degrading content on both television and social media platforms, warning that its continued broadcast poses a threat to public decency and national values.
“The show is not only aired on national TV but its profane content is proudly shared on the verified social media handles of the host company, in total disregard for public morality,” Idam stated.
According to the lawyer, BBNaija’s 18+ age rating does little to restrict its reach, particularly among minors who can easily access clips online. He called for the show to be moved to “highly regulated channels” reserved strictly for adult audiences and urged NBC to prohibit the distribution of explicit clips on social media by the producers.
While the show has built a massive following and has been credited with influencing pop culture and creating media careers, Idam argued that it has no redeeming educational, scientific, or artistic value.
He further questioned NBC’s inconsistency in regulation, pointing out that the commission had previously banned music videos by artists like Olamide, Phyno, and Wizkid over similar moral concerns, yet has allowed BBNaija to air unchecked.
“Why has NBC banned music videos for being explicit but turned a blind eye to this show that runs daily with similar, if not worse, content?” he asked.
Idam stressed that Nigeria’s fragile social fabric cannot withstand the influence of what he described as “unregulated, morally bankrupt content.”
“The NBC must act now to prevent further erosion of our societal values,” he warned, adding that legal action would be initiated if the commission fails to respond within 30 days.
As of press time, the NBC has not issued any public response to the petition.