NBC seeks fresh appeal over ruling voiding broadcast fines

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has sought permission to file a new appeal against a Federal High Court judgment that prevented it from imposing fines on broadcasters. This request follows the Court of Appeal's June 17, 2026 decision dismissing the NBC's earlier appeal, which was deemed "fundamentally defective" and incompetent.

The NBC is requesting the appellate court to extend the deadline for challenging the January 10, 2024 ruling by Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia of the Federal High Court. The dispute stems from a suit filed by Media Rights Agenda challenging the NBC's imposition of fines on various broadcasting companies for airing documentaries on banditry and insecurity in Zamfara State.

The Court of Appeal ruled that the NBC lacked the authority to penalize broadcasters, as it is not a court of law. The NBC argues that the decision raises important issues regarding its authority to regulate broadcasting and enforce compliance with standards, warning that failing to review the judgment could lead to uncertainty about its regulatory capabilities and weaken the broadcasting framework.

The commission maintains that its appeal raises crucial concerns affecting the broadcasting industry, broadcast and digital media platforms, and the general public.