By Progress Godfrey, Abuja
The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has told foreign broadcasters who have offices in Nigeria and beam their signals into the country to comply with registration or risk disconnection after 30 days
Director General of NBC, Mallam Balarabe Ilelah gave the 30-day ultimatum in Abuja on Friday as he handed provisional licenses to 67 newly approved stations.
The NBC also called on all the Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) and all other broadcast stations streaming online to register with the Commission to avoid disconnection and prosecution. He urged broadcasters to note that having a Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) or FM license does not warrant a broadcaster to stream online as they are two different licenses.
Ilelah stated the NBC’s determination to collaborate with security agencies to clamp down on illegal broadcasters in the country and reminded licensees that are yet to pay their outstanding debts to hurriedly pay or have their licences revoked for illegal broadcasting.
He observed that refusal to pay license fees is economic sabotage and the Commission will have no option but to collaborate with security and anti-corruption agencies to redeem the debts.
The NBC boss noted that the approval of 67 additional licenses by President Muhammadu Buhari is a testimonial that the President yearns for media pluralism and freedom of expression and urged the implore new licensees to complement the gesture by promoting the nation’s democratic values, national unity and cultural heritage.
He said, “You are also required to reciprocate the gesture by putting the license into use within the timeframe provided and act responsibly and in accordance with the Act, Code and other extant laws guiding broadcasting in Nigeria. Pay attention to safeguarding the peaceful coexistence of Nigeria through your broadcast.
This is in addition to promoting and sustaining Nigeria’s diverse culture by ensuring diversity in programming content for Nigeria’s widest audience. Most importantly however is to promote Nigerian content and encourage the production and projection of Nigerian life, hence try to achieve 100% local content “.
Ilelah pointed out that part of the requirements for the commencement of test transmission henceforth is for new licensees to send their staff for training at the newly established Nigeria Broadcast Institute.
Speaking on behalf of the licencees, the Chief Executive Officer of Afe Elamah Company Ltd. Edo, Mustafa Lecky, assured the Commission that they would comply with annual payment of fees.
”On behalf of our members who have been given this licence we pledge to abide by the rules and regulations. We will not fail. This is a very sacred trust that we hold very dearly.
“We will pay our annual licensees fees on time diligently and completely and the commission will be happy with us.”
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