The Federal Government has asked the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) to desist from airing a documentary on Nigeria which portrayed the city of Lagos as a slum.
The documentary entitled, “Welcome to Lagos,” was broadcast on BBC2 in the United Kingdom on April 15.
The government expressed disappointment that the BBC with its acclaimed reputation in the media failed to adhere to the ethical code of balance and fairness in the production of the documentary.
Information and Communications Minister, Professor Dora Akunyili said in a statement that BBC should restrict the documentary from further circulation in the best interest of relations between the corporation and the government and people of Nigeria.
She said the government views the documentary as a deliberate attempt to denigrate the dignity of Nigeria before the international community and to create fear and frustration in the minds of tourists and potential investors in the country.
The statement said a formal letter of protest is being forwarded to the BBC, Broadcasting House in London through the BBC Office in Nigeria.