Big Brother Naija (BBNaija), one of Nigeria’s most-watched reality television shows, has come under legal fire as a prominent activist lawyer, Maduabuchi Idam, petitions the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), demanding the show be either banned outright or subjected to stricter regulatory controls within 30 days.
In the petition dated August 4, 2025, and addressed to the Director General of the NBC, Idam described BBNaija as “obscene, indecent, and profane,” arguing that the show actively undermines public morality by broadcasting explicit and suggestive content in real time on both satellite television and social media platforms.
Titled “Urgent Need to Ban or Regulate the Content of the Television Programme Described as ‘Big Brother Naija’ for Obscene, Indecent, and Profane Content Pursuant to the NBC Act 1999,” the petition cites the show’s alleged violation of broadcasting codes. Idam called out the commission for failing to sanction BBNaija in the same way it previously acted against top Nigerian musicians such as Olamide, Phyno, and Wizkid, whose music videos were either banned or restricted due to controversial lyrics or visuals.
“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 wrote. “We are already grappling with deepening insecurity, widespread moral decay, and youth delinquency. BBNaija only worsens the situation.”
Though the reality show is officially rated “18+”, Idam noted that such classification is ineffective in a digital age where explicit scenes from the show are repurposed and spread widely across social media, making them easily accessible to underage audiences.
He argued that the programme lacks any educational, scientific, artistic, or literary value, and instead promotes a culture of indecency and voyeurism. According to him, the show is eroding societal values and desensitizing young Nigerians to inappropriate behavior.
The legal practitioner urged the NBC to move swiftly in placing the show on tightly restricted adult-rated platforms and banning the public dissemination of explicit content by the host company. He warned that if NBC fails to act within the stipulated 30-day window, he will initiate a legal proceeding to compel regulatory action.
“The NBC must act now to prevent further erosion of our societal values,” Idam declared firmly.
This petition has stirred fresh debate across social media and public discourse, with divided opinions on whether the popular show is indeed a cultural threat or simply an entertainment platform for consenting adults.
BBNaija organizers have yet to respond officially to the petition. However, as the countdown begins on the 30-day ultimatum, pressure now mounts on the NBC to either defend its stance or enforce new measures on the reality show that has captivated millions of Nigerians for over a decade.
