The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has prohibited Nigerian radio and television stations from playing the trending song “Tell Your Papa” by veteran rapper Eedris Abdulkareem. In a memo dated April 9, 2025, the NBC, through its Coordinating Director of Broadcast Monitoring, Susan Obi, declared the track “Not To Be Broadcast” (NTBB), citing its “objectionable nature” under Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, which prohibits inappropriate or offensive content.
The NBC stated that while the song has gained significant traction on social media, its lyrical content fails to meet the standards expected of responsible broadcasting in Nigeria. The controversial track, released earlier this week, directly addresses Seyi Tinubu, the president’s son, urging him to convey the hardships faced by Nigerians to his father.
The lyrics of “Tell Your Papa” include lines such as “Seyi, tell your papa country hard. Tell your papa people dey die,” and criticize the president’s performance and the prevalence of insecurity. The NBC’s ban underscores its role in regulating broadcast content and ensuring it aligns with public decency and responsible broadcasting standards in Nigeria.
