The Director General, National Broadcasting Commission, Mall. Balarabe Shehu Ilelah, has urged the new broadcast licensees to use their platforms to unite the country and not to truncate the country’s democracy. He made this call on Friday, 17th February, 2023, at the Commission's Headquarters, in Abuja, where he presented the provisional approvals of broadcast licenses to the newly approved 67 licensees.
The DG, in his opening remarks, stated that the presidential approval for new licenses in the broadcast industry is a testimonial that President Muhammadu Buhari yearns for media pluralism and freedom of expression.
He called on the new broadcasters to compliment the gesture of Mr. President by promoting the country’s democratic values, national unity, cultural heritage and peaceful co - existence as well as, act responsibly in accordance with the NBC Act, the Nigeria Broadcasting Code and other extant laws guiding broadcasting in Nigeria.
The NBC boss enjoined the new licensees to promote and sustain Nigeria’s diverse culture by ensuring diversity in programme contents for Nigeria’s widest audience. He further stressed that Nigerian content must be promoted and encouraged the production and projection of Nigerian life with the aim of achieving 70% local content.
Mall. Ilelah also called on IPTV(Internet Protocol Television) owners and all other broadcast stations streaming online to register with the Commission in order to avoid disconnection and prosecution. He added that broadcasters should note that having a DTT or FM license does not warrant a broadcaster to stream online; stressing that they are two different licenses. He reiterated that the Commission is working with security agencies to clamp down on illegal broadcasters in the country.
The DG, NBC, also reminded licensees that are yet to pay their outstanding debts to pay or have their licenses revoked for illegal broadcasting. Noting that refusal to pay is an economic sabotage, and the NBC would have no option than to collaborate with relevant security and anti-corruption agencies to redeem the debts.
Mall. Balarabe Shehu Ilelah, in conclusion, congratulated the newly-approved licensees.
Responding on behalf of the new broadcast licensees, the Chairman, Afé-Elemah company Ltd, Dr. Muhammed Mustafa Lecky assured the management of the Commission that they will be diligent in exerting their duties as broadcasters and work effectively in meeting up with the deadline for renewal of their broadcast license.
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