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From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja
The Federal Government has suspended all reviews and increases in broadcast licence fees until further notice, directing the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to ensure strict compliance with the decision as part of measures to address the rising cost of operating broadcast stations across the country.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, announced the suspension in Abuja during a meeting with a delegation of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), which raised concerns over increasing operational costs, regulatory charges, access to financing and other challenges threatening the sustainability of the broadcasting industry.
The minister’s media aide, Rabiu Ibrahim, in a statement, said the decision followed representations made by BON during a courtesy visit led by its Chairman, Tony Akiotu, after the organisation’s 82nd General Assembly in Calabar, Cross River State.
“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,” Idris declared. The minister also directed the Director-General of the NBC to expedite the review of the National Broadcasting Code to ensure that the regulatory framework remained responsive to emerging developments and challenges confronting the industry.
He assured BON that the Federal Government would sustain engagement with broadcasting stakeholders to create a more conducive environment for the growth and sustainability of the sector.
On the Digital Switch-Over (DSO), Idris promised to convene a stakeholders’ meeting to address outstanding issues, while disclosing that he had directed the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) to enforce the 45-day payment period for advertising services.
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The minister also assured the delegation that the ministry would engage relevant stakeholders on access to affordable financing and concerns over spectrum allocation.
He congratulated BON on the successful hosting of its 82nd General Assembly and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to sustained dialogue and collaboration with broadcasting organisations.
Idris stressed the critical role of broadcasting in strengthening democracy, promoting national cohesion and ensuring that citizens had access to credible and accurate information, particularly as Nigeria prepared for the 2027 general elections. “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, BON Chairman, Tony Akiotu, commended the minister for his intervention during the June 2026 DSO launch, noting that the stakeholders’ meeting he convened helped address concerns about ensuring a level playing field for operators.
Akiotu identified broadcast licence fees, rising operating costs, access to financing, spectrum allocation, the National Broadcasting Code and enforcement of the 45-day advertising payment period as major concerns requiring government intervention.
“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,” he said.
