By Chinelo Obogo
The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has banned Nigerian radio and television stations from airing rapper Eedris Abdulkareem’s controversial song ‘Tell Your Papa’, saying his lyrics are in breach of broadcasting standards.
In a memo dated April 9, 2025, issued by Susan Obi, Coordinating Director of Broadcast Monitoring, the NBC classified the track as “Not To Be Broadcast” (NTBB) under Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code. This provision bars content which violates public decency on broadcast platforms.
Despite the song going viral on social media, the commission stated that its lyrical content fails to meet responsible broadcasting guidelines.
The memo to TV and radio stations reads: “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.
“It is therefore classified as ‘Not To Be Broadcast (NTBB)’ Your station is urged to refrain from airing this song to uphold broadcasting standards. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.”
The banned track, released earlier this week, directly addresses Seyi, the son of President Bola Tinubu, urging him to confront his father over Nigeria’s economic crisis.
Abdulkareem’s lyrics criticise government policies and highlight widespread hardship, responding to Seyi’s recent praise of his father as “the greatest president in Nigeria’s history” during a visit to Adamawa State.
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