The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has announced that it will reconsider the 2.5% gross revenue repatriation imposed on Nigerian broadcast stations.
During a meeting with key stakeholders from Nigerian broadcasting stations, the commission’s newly appointed Director General, Charles Ebuebu, explained that the action is intended to address the country’s rising economic issues.
He further stated that the NBC administration will conduct a comprehensive review of the NBC code, assuring stakeholders that the new management is devoted to the welfare and interests of all Nigerian broadcast stations.
Speaking further, the DG frowned at the court ruling in January 2024, which stopped the NBC from imposing sanctions and fines on broadcast stations and described it an anomaly.
He stated that while the commission is appealing the court ruling, it remains steadfast in its mandate.
The DG enlisted formulation of comprehensive policies that support the growth of broadcast stations as well as promotion of communication and dialogue as some of the core values of his administration.
In January, Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia of the Federal High Court Abuja nullified the power of the NBC to impose fines on broadcast stations for alleged breaches of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.
Delivering Judgement in a suit instituted by the Media Rights Agenda (MRA) against the NBC, following the Commission’s imposition of fines of N5 million each on a television station and three pay TV platforms in 2022, for allegedly undermining Nigeria’s national security by broadcasting documentaries on banditry in Nigeria, Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia held that the NBC, being not a court of law, acted above its powers by imposing such fines.
The Judge declared null and void the provisions of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code authorizing the NBC to impose fines on broadcast stations for alleged breaches of the Code as it ruled that administrative and regulatory bodies could not exercise judicial powers.
The NBC had since appealed the judgement stopping it from imposing fines on broadcast stations at the Court of Appeal.