Abstract
This paper examines the freedom of the press under our laws as well as the right to freedom of Expression. It also examines the press as a polity, and the danger posed to the society and governance when there is gross and unguarded denial of these rights. The laws particularly the NBC Act 1992 as amended in 1999 is analytically examined as it affects the right to own a broadcast station. In the world today, all the features of commerce still play out regardless of distance, continental difference, boundary barriers as well as jurisdictional dis- junctiveness. With the height situation of globalization, attention needs to be given to the space within which information are disseminated with keen particularity on advertisement as an extension of the right to freedom of expression. This paper identifies and appreciates advertisement as a viable tool for economic growth. One of the concepts intrinsically associated to the man and the society is ‘liberty’. One of the means through which liberty is exercised, expressed and enjoyed is by verbal or oral communication which is aided and enhanced by the ‘Press’. This paper also examines the Nigerian state and the importance of the press to the state in ensuring security. It also offers recommendation to balance the equation of human rights to free speech and free press to achieve a secured state and efficient production in our economy.
Keywords: NBC Act, Human Rights, Freedom of Speech, Nigeria.