{
  "id": 19284136,
  "title": "FG Suspends Broadcast Licence Fee Reviews Indefinitely",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/10/fg-suspends-broadcast-licence-fee-reviews-indefinitely",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-10T04:21:45.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "This Day",
    "slug": "this-day",
    "url": "https://www.thisdaylive.com/2026/11/10/fg-suspends-broadcast-licence-fee-reviews-indefinitely/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The federal government has indefinitely suspended all reviews of broadcast licence fees, in response to concerns from operators about escalating costs and Nigeria’s broadcasting industry facing challenging conditions. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, revealed the suspension to a delegation from the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), headed by Chairman Tony Akiotu, in Abuja. Idris instructed the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to strictly adhere to the order, stating that no rise in licence fees would be permitted until a reassessment of the situation is conducted. He further directed the NBC Director-General to expedite the review of the National Broadcasting Code to ensure the regulatory framework is aligned with the ever-evolving landscape of the broadcasting industry. Regarding the Digital Switch-Over (DSO), Idris promised to convene a meeting with stakeholders to tackle outstanding issues, while promising to engage relevant parties on matters of affordable financing and spectrum allocation. Additionally, the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) was directed to ensure full implementation of the 45-day payment period for advertising services, a policy that the BON had urged the government to enforce. Idris reaffirmed the government’s dedication to providing a conducive environment for the broadcasting industry, highlighting its crucial role in enhancing democracy, fostering national unity, and guaranteeing access to reliable information. As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general election, Idris called on broadcasters to practice journalism responsibly, with professionalism, fairness, and ethical considerations. \"Freedom of expression must go hand in hand with responsibility,\" he emphasized, urging broadcasters to uphold factual reporting, promote national unity, and adhere to journalistic standards. Earlier, BON Chairman Tony Akiotu expressed gratitude for the minister’s intervention during the June 2026 DSO launch, stating that the stakeholders’ meeting convened by Idris assisted in addressing concerns over a level playing field for operators. However, Akiotu also outlined significant challenges facing the industry, including the review of the National Broadcasting Code, licence fees, escalating operational costs, access to financing, spectrum allocation, and enforcement of the 45-day advertising payment policy. BON believed in dialogue, consultation, and mediation to prevent industrial disharmony, and applauded Idris for his personal involvement during the DSO launch, requesting continued support in addressing the challenges faced by its members. Idris commended BON for successfully hosting its 82nd General Assembly in Calabar, Cross River State, and reiterated the federal government’s commitment to ongoing collaboration with industry stakeholders to strengthen and promote the sector’s long-term development.",
  "summary": "Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The federal government has suspended all reviews of broadcast licence fees until further notice, following concerns by operators over rising costs and the challenging business environment",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}