FG suspends broadcast licence fee reviews ‘over rising costs’

The Federal Government has halted all reviews concerning broadcast licence fees until further notice, in response to complaints from the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) about escalating costs, according to an official statement. This move was made in an effort to tackle the obstacles faced by Nigeria's broadcasting industry.

The Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) delegation, led by its Chairman, Senior High Chief Dr Tony Akiotu, had expressed concerns over the "rising cost of operating broadcast stations" during a visit to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris. The Minister has pledged the Federal Government's commitment to fostering a more favorable environment for the industry's growth and sustainability.

The Minister also instructed the Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to swiftly review the National Broadcasting Code, ensuring the regulatory framework remains adaptive to the broadcasting industry's evolving conditions and realities. On the Digital Switch-Over (DSO), Idris promised to convene a stakeholders' meeting to resolve outstanding issues.

Furthermore, he assured the delegation that the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) would implement the 45-day payment period for advertising services. The Minister highlighted the vital role of broadcasting in fortifying democracy, fostering national unity, and guaranteeing citizens' access to accurate and reliable information.

He also called on broadcasters to maintain the highest standards of professionalism, impartiality, and ethical journalism, particularly as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections. In the past, disputes over broadcasting have led to legal action. Plaintiffs had sought court intervention, requesting a declaration that Section 10(a) of the Third Schedule to the NBC Act, which was being used by the NBC to threaten to revoke the licenses of 53 broadcast stations and shut them down, was unconstitutional and unlawful, as it infringed on freedom of expression.

The NBC had previously targeted 53 broadcast media organizations, revoking their licenses and ordering immediate shutdowns due to alleged outstanding licensing fees exceeding N2.6 billion since 2015.