Korede Abdullah in Lagos
The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has officially banned the broadcast of the song Tell Your Papa by veteran Nigerian 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 “Not To Be Broadcast (NTBB)” under Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, which restricts content considered offensive or indecent.
The statement 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.”
The commission noted that while the song has gained significant traction online, its lyrical content falls short of the standards expected of responsible broadcasting.
“It is therefore classified as Not To Be Broadcast (NTBB), as it violates Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code,” the statement emphasized.
The NBC has urged stations to exercise discretion, advising, “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 [these standards is] greatly appreciated.”
Released earlier this week, Tell Your Papa takes direct aim at Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Tinubu, accusing him of ignoring the country’s worsening socio-economic conditions.
Abdulkareem calls out the younger Tinubu over his praise for his father during a recent visit to Adamawa State, where he labeled him “the greatest president in Nigeria’s history.”
In biting lyrics, the rapper says, “Seyi, tell your papa country hard. Tell your papa people dey die. Tell your papa this one don pass jagajaga.”
He continues, “Seyi, how far? I swear your papa no try. Too much empty promises… 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.”
