Director General, Mall. Balarabe Shehu Ilelah has stated that the National Broadcasting Commission is not out to gag the media, or destroy the broadcasting industry in Nigeria.
He made this known on Thursday 25th August, 2022, at the meeting with members of the Broadcasting Organizations of Nigeria, BON.
Mall. Ilelah added that the meeting which was in regards to the revocation of broadcast licences of debtor broadcast stations, was to discuss the Commission’s position on stations clampdown.
He noted that the debt owed by broadcast stations, was a backlog dating as far back as 2006. While stressing the indebtedness of some stations, Mall. Balarabe Shehu Ilelah added, that it was very important for the regulator to make things clearer to BON as they are being carried along in the process.
The NBC Chief also informed the BON members that stations like AIT and Silverbird have paid their debts, while some stations have been shut down.
Ilelah called on the BON members to meet with the State Commissioners of Information so that they can speak to thier Governor’s because State owned broadcast stations are fully indebted to the Commission and have refused to pay their licence fees. Adding that, if they have unused frequencies, they are free to approach the NBC and further return such frequencies.
The DG, NBC also used the opportunity of the meeting to call on SERAP to stop its interference on issues relating to the regulator and broadcast stations. He enjoined SERAP to reach out to the NBC for inquiries and clarity on matters concerning the regulation of the broadcast industry in Nigeria.
Speaking on behalf of BON, the Executive Secretary, Mr. Yemisi Bamgbose, noted that its main reason for meeting with the NBC Management was to appeal for a resolve on the shutdown of debtor broadcast stations.
He added that the Broadcasting Organizations of Nigeria, will like to request the NBC to furnish BON with a record of stations still indebted to the Commission, as well as, those that have paid off their debts. This he said, will enable BON draw out a template for payment.
Appreciating the DG and his Management team in a vote of thanks, the Director General, Voice of Nigeria, Mr. Osita Okechukwu, thanked Mall. Balarabe Shehu Ilelah for the positive response to their request and pleas as regards to debtor broadcast stations, as well as, the warm reception accorded the Broadcasting Organizations of Nigeria.
He added that other members will be briefed on the outcome of the meeting and assured the NBC that the issue of the indebtedness by broadcast stations will be looked into and resolved.
