The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has issued a directive banning Nigerian radio and television stations from broadcasting Eedris Abdulkareem’s latest single, “Tell Your Papa,” citing its “objectionable” content and violation of broadcast standards.
The controversial track, released on Monday, delivers sharp criticism of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, particularly its economic policies. In the song, the veteran rapper calls on the President’s son, Seyi Tinubu, to relay the suffering of Nigerians to his father, lamenting widespread hunger and unfulfilled promises.
“Tell your papa, Seyi… this one don pass jagajaga… Tinubu, ebi n pa mekunu (Tinubu, the poor are starving),” Eedris raps, also mocking the President’s speeches as “balablu grammar.”
In a memo dated April 9, 2025, and signed by Susan Obi, Coordinating Director of Broadcast Monitoring, the NBC stated that the song violates Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, which prohibits content deemed offensive to public decency.
“The National Broadcasting Commission has identified the song ‘Tell Your Papa’ by Eedris Abdulkareem as inappropriate for broadcast due to its objectionable nature. It is therefore classified as Not To Be Broadcast (NTBB),” the memo reads.
The Commission advised broadcasters to exercise discretion and avoid airing the song, emphasizing the need to uphold “responsible broadcasting standards.”
This development has stirred reactions across social media, with many Nigerians debating the balance between creative freedom and regulatory oversight.
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