The National Broadcasting Commission’s decision to cancel the licenses of 52 broadcast stations nationwide due to their excessive debt to the commission has been referred to as “a hasty decision” by the Nigeria Union of Journalists.
According to earlier reports, the National Broadcasting Commission had ordered the African Independent Television, Silverbird Television, and broadcasting companies controlled by several state governments to cease operations within the next 24 hours due to debts totaling at least N2.6 billion.
Although the Director General of NBC, Malam Balarabe Shehu Ilelah, claimed that the sanction had no political motivations, the NUJ asserted in a statement issued by its National President, Chris Isiguzo, that the decision was careless and poorly timed.
He said, “It should be noted that this wholesale revocation of licenses at this critical time of insecurity in the Country appears to be a decision taken without careful prior deliberation, consultation or counsel.
“While we regret the inability of these broadcast stations to fulfill their obligations to NBC, in view of dwindling resources, we caution against such large-scale clampdown of broadcast stations in disregard to security issues and the attendant consequence. We cannot afford the unpleasant outcome of such media blackout at this time.
Therefore, he pleaded with the NBC to exhibit more moderation in this matter out of respect for national security and to allow for further discussion and collaboration to come up with a better solution.
