By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.
The Federal Government has suspended all reviews of broadcast licence fees until further notice in a move aimed at easing the financial burden on broadcasting organisations and addressing the operational challenges confronting the industry.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, announced the decision on Monday in Abuja during a courtesy visit by a delegation of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), led by its Chairman, Senior High Chief Dr Tony Akiotu.
The visit followed BON’s 82nd General Assembly held in Calabar, Cross River State.
Responding to concerns raised by the broadcasting industry over increasing operational costs and the proposed review of licence fees, Idris said the government had decided to put all planned increases on hold.
“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.
He subsequently directed the Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to expedite the review of the National Broadcasting Code to ensure that its provisions reflect emerging developments and realities in the broadcasting industry.
On the Digital Switch-Over (DSO), the Minister promised to convene a stakeholders’ meeting to address outstanding issues affecting the implementation of the project.
Idris also disclosed that he had directed the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) to ensure full implementation of the 45-day payment period for advertising services, a policy BON had identified as critical to improving the financial sustainability of broadcast organisations.
He further assured the delegation that the Ministry would engage relevant stakeholders on concerns surrounding access to affordable financing and spectrum allocation.
The Minister stressed that broadcasting remained central to strengthening democracy, promoting national cohesion and ensuring citizens’ access to credible and accurate information.
With the 2027 general elections approaching, he urged broadcasters to uphold professionalism, fairness and ethical journalism, warning against the dissemination of unverified information capable of undermining national unity.
“Freedom of expression must go with responsibility. You cannot simply say anything and claim to be practising journalism. Journalism has standards, procedures and ethics,” he said.
He urged broadcast organisations to ensure that their reports were factual, responsible and supportive of peaceful coexistence.
Earlier, BON Chairman, Akiotu, commended the Minister for his intervention during the June 2026 DSO launch, noting that the stakeholders’ meeting he convened helped address concerns about creating a level playing field for industry operators.
Akiotu identified the review of the National Broadcasting Code, broadcast licence fees, rising operational costs, access to financing, spectrum allocation and enforcement of the 45-day advertising payment period as major challenges confronting the industry.
He said BON remained committed to dialogue, consultation and mediation as mechanisms for resolving disagreements and preventing industrial disharmony.
“BON believes in dialogue, consultation and mediation to prevent a breakdown of industrial harmony in the broadcasting industry,” he said.
Akiotu appealed for the Minister’s continued support in addressing the concerns of operators and strengthening the industry’s capacity to deliver quality broadcasting services.
The Minister congratulated BON on the successful hosting of its 82nd General Assembly and reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to sustained engagement with industry stakeholders to promote the growth and long-term sustainability of Nigeria’s broadcasting sector.
