The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has officially barred the controversial new song “Tell Your Papa” by Nigerian rapper Eedris Abdulkareem from being played on radio and television. In a memo released on April 9, 2025, and signed by Susan Obi, the Coordinating Director of Broadcast Monitoring, the commission classified the song as “Not To Be Broadcast (NTBB).”
The NBC stated that the reason behind this action is the song’s content, which they say violates Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code. That section deals with materials considered offensive, inappropriate, or against public morals. According to the Commission, “Tell Your Papa” contains lyrics that don’t align with the standards expected from programs aired on national platforms.
Though the song has gained massive attention on social media, especially on X (formerly known as Twitter), NBC says that the track’s message is too provocative for traditional broadcast. In the official memo sent to all radio and TV stations, the Commission wrote: “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), as it violates Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.”
Susan Obi, on behalf of the Commission, added that broadcasters are expected to “exercise discretion” and avoid airing the song in order to protect the standards of responsible media in the country. “Your cooperation and commitment to upholding [this directive is] greatly appreciated,” she noted.
“Tell Your Papa,” which was released earlier this week, is a politically charged song that takes aim at Seyi Tinubu, the son of Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. In the song, Eedris calls on Seyi to speak to his father about the current economic and security challenges affecting Nigerians.
In the lyrics, Abdulkareem raps: “Seyi, tell your papa country hard. Tell your papa people dey die. Tell your papa this one don pass jagajaga.”
He continues with, “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.”
In another line, the rapper lashes out at the elite lifestyle of political families: “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.”
