The National Broadcasting Commission has officially barred Nigerian radio and television stations from airing the controversial new song “Tell Your Papa” by veteran rapper Eedris Abdulkareem, citing its “objectionable nature.”
In a memo dated April 9, 2025, and signed by the Coordinating Director of Broadcast Monitoring, Susan Obi, the commission classified the track as Not To Be Broadcast, in accordance with Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.
The referenced section prohibits the airing of content considered inappropriate, offensive, or in violation of public decency on Nigerian broadcast platforms.
Despite the song’s growing popularity on social media, the NBC argued that its lyrics fall short of responsible broadcasting standards. The regulatory body stressed that while digital platforms are outside its direct purview, Nigerian broadcasters are expected to adhere strictly to guidelines that promote decency and national cohesion.
In its official communication titled “Restriction on broadcasting ‘Tell Your Papa’ by Eedris Abdulkareem,” the NBC stated, “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, as it violates Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.
“The commission requests that your station exercises discretion and refrains from airing this song to maintain responsible broadcasting standards.
“Your cooperation and commitment to upholding greatly appreciated. Thank you,
Susan Obi – Coordinating Director, Broadcast Monitoring.”
The song, released earlier this week, has stirred intense public discourse, primarily because of its direct message to Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Abdulkareem uses the track as a medium to call out Nigeria’s worsening economic conditions, placing the blame squarely on the shoulders of the nation’s leadership.
The artist’s sharp lyrics appear to be a direct response to comments recently made by Seyi Tinubu during a visit to Adamawa State, where he described his father as “the greatest president in Nigeria’s history.”
In the song, Abdulkareem counters this sentiment with a hard-hitting critique. In the chorus and verses shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, he raps:
“Seyi, tell your papa country hard. Tell your papa people dey die. Tell your papa this one don pass jagajaga.”
“Seyi, how far? I swear your papa no try. Too much empty promises. On behalf of Nigerians, take our message to him; kidnappers dey kill Nigerians.
“Seyi, try travel by road without your security make you feel the pains of fellow Nigerians. You dey fly private jets, insecurity no be your problem.”
The track, which comes at a time of growing frustration over economic hardships, inflation, insecurity, and fuel subsidy removal, has resonated with a segment of the public, especially the youth, who have increasingly used social media as a space to voice dissent.
As the NBC’s ban takes effect, questions have emerged around censorship, freedom of expression, and the role of art in holding leaders accountable. While broadcast stations are expected to comply with the directive, the song is likely to continue making waves online, where regulatory oversight is limited.
