Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, has announced the suspension of all reviews of broadcast licence fees until further notice.
Idris announced the decision on Monday in Abuja during a
meeting with a delegation of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON),
led by its chairman, Tony Akiotu.
The meeting followed BON’s 82nd General Assembly, where the
organisation raised concerns about the rising cost of operating broadcast
stations in the country.
“Any increase in licence fees is hereby put on hold. All
reviews relating to licences are suspended until further notice. I am directing
the NBC to ensure strict compliance while we review the situation,” the
minister said.
Idris also directed the director-general of the National
Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to expedite the review of the National
Broadcasting Code to ensure the regulatory framework reflects developments in
the broadcasting industry.
On the digital switch-over (DSO), he promised to convene a
stakeholders’ meeting to address outstanding issues.
The minister also said he had directed the Advertising
Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) to ensure full implementation of the
45-day payment period for advertising services.
He added that the ministry would engage relevant
stakeholders on concerns around access to affordable financing and spectrum
allocation.
Idris described broadcasting as critical to strengthening
democracy, promoting national cohesion and ensuring citizens have access to
credible and accurate information.
He urged broadcasters to uphold professionalism, fairness
and ethical journalism, particularly as the country prepares for the 2027
general election.
“Freedom of expression must go with responsibility. You
cannot simply say anything and claim to be practising journalism. Journalism
has standards, procedures and ethics. I urge broadcasters to ensure that what
they report is factual, responsible and promotes national unity and peaceful
coexistence,” he said.
Earlier, Akiotu commended the minister for his intervention
during the June 2026 DSO launch, saying the stakeholders’ meeting he convened
helped address concerns about creating a level playing field for operators.
He listed the review of the National Broadcasting Code,
broadcast licence fees, rising operational costs, access to financing, spectrum
allocation, and implementation of the 45-day advertising payment period among
the challenges confronting the industry.
“BON believes in dialogue, consultation and mediation to
prevent a breakdown of industrial harmony in the broadcasting industry. We are
grateful for your personal intervention during the DSO launch and seek your
continued support in addressing the challenges affecting our members,” Akiotu
said.
The minister congratulated BON on the successful hosting of
its 82nd General Assembly in Calabar, Cross River state, and reiterated the
federal government’s commitment to dialogue and collaboration with broadcasting
stakeholders.
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