The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has barred Nigerian radio and television stations from airing the trending song “Tell Your Papa” by veteran rapper Eedris Abdulkareem, citing its “objectionable nature.”
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-IDRI-Masterclass.png")
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 (NTBB) under Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code. The section prohibits content deemed inappropriate, offensive, or in breach of public decency from being aired on Nigerian broadcast platforms.
According to the NBC, although the song has gained widespread attention on social media, its lyrics fail to meet the standards of responsible broadcasting.
The statement, titled “Restriction on Broadcasting ‘Tell Your Papa’ by Eedris Abdulkareem,” reads in part:
“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.
“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 are greatly appreciated.”
Released earlier this week, the controversial track directly targets Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, urging him to confront his father over the country’s deteriorating socio-economic conditions.
In “Tell Your Papa,” which was shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, Abdulkareem paints a bleak picture of life in Nigeria, criticizing the government’s failures.
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 song was reportedly inspired by Seyi Tinubu’s recent remarks in Adamawa State, where he described his father as “the greatest president in Nigeria’s history.”
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