By Ghazali Ibrahim 
The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has prohibited Nigerian radio and television stations from airing the trending 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 NBC declared the track as Not To Be Broadcast (NTBB) in line with Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.
This section forbids any broadcast content deemed inappropriate, offensive, or in breach of public decency.
While the song continues to gain momentum across social media, the commission insists its lyrical content fails to meet the standards of responsible broadcasting.
“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,” the statement read.
“It is therefore classified as Not To Be Broadcast (NTBB), as it violates Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.”
The NBC urged all broadcast stations to exercise discretion and refrain from airing the track, stressing the importance of maintaining responsible broadcasting standards.
The controversial song, released earlier this week, delivers a scathing critique of Nigeria’s socio-economic conditions and directly addresses Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu.
Abdulkareem urges Seyi to relay the grievances of everyday Nigerians to his father, challenging the presidency’s narrative of progress.
The rapper says, “Seyi, tell your papa country hard. Tell your papa people dey die. Tell your papa this one don pass jagajaga.”
The song responds to Seyi Tinubu’s recent remarks in Adamawa State, where he praised his father as “the greatest president in Nigeria’s history.”
Abdulkareem counters that claim with raw and emotive lyrics describing insecurity, economic hardship, and broken promises.
As the ban takes effect, public discourse continues online, with many Nigerians viewing the censorship as a suppression of artistic expression and dissent.
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