Abuja, Nigeria – The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has issued a directive banning Nigerian radio and television stations from airing the recently released track, “Tell Your Papa” by veteran hip-hop artist, Eedris Abdulkareem.
In an official memo dated April 9, 2025, signed by Susan Obi, Coordinating Director of Broadcast Monitoring, the NBC classified the song as “Not To Be Broadcast (NTBB)” in accordance with Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.
⚠️ Reason for the Ban
The commission stated that the song contains “objectionable content” that violates broadcasting standards. Section 3.1.8 of the code explicitly prohibits any material considered offensive, inappropriate, or against public decency from being aired.
“The National Broadcasting Commission has identified the song ‘Tell Your Papa’ by Eedris Abdulkareem as inappropriate for broadcast due to its objectionable nature,” the statement read.
NBC directed all licensed broadcast stations to exercise discretion and refrain from playing the track to maintain standards of responsible journalism and public morality.
🎵About the Song and Controversy
The controversial song, released earlier this week and trending on social media, features Abdulkareem criticizing Nigeria’s current socio-economic situation. The lyrics make direct references to Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to speak with his father about the worsening hardships faced by Nigerians.
In the track, Abdulkareem raps:
“Seyi, tell your papa country hard. Tell your papa people dey die… kidnappers dey kill Nigerians.”
The song came as a response to Seyi Tinubu’s remarks during an event in Adamawa State, where he praised his father as “the greatest president in Nigeria’s history.”
Video of TELL YOUR PAPA by Eedris Abdulkareem
📱 Social Media Reactions
While banned on traditional broadcast platforms, the song has gained traction online, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), where many users are debating its message, tone, and the NBC’s decision. Some have defended the artist’s right to freedom of expression, while others believe the song’s directness may breach respectful communication norms.
✅ Summary
- NBC bans Eedris Abdulkareem’s “Tell Your Papa” from TV and radio
- Song deemed “inappropriate for broadcast” under Nigeria Broadcasting Code
- NBC cites Section 3.1.8 as the basis for the restriction
- Track criticizes Nigeria’s leadership and escalating public hardship
- The song remains available online, sparking national debate
