By Mark Aba
The Federal Government has suspended all reviews of broadcast licence fees indefinitely as part of efforts to address the rising operational costs and other challenges confronting Nigeria’s broadcasting industry.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, announced the decision on Monday in Abuja during a meeting with a delegation of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), led by its Chairman, Dr Tony Akiotu.
The meeting followed BON’s 82nd General Assembly held in Calabar, Cross River State.
Responding to concerns raised by the broadcasting operators over the increasing cost of running broadcast stations, Idris said the government was committed to creating a favourable environment for the industry’s growth and sustainability.
“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,” he said.
The minister also directed the Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to accelerate review of the National Broadcasting Code to ensure that it reflects current developments and emerging realities in the industry.
On the Digital Switch-Over (DSO) programme, Idris promised to convene a stakeholders’ meeting to resolve outstanding issues affecting its implementation.
He also disclosed that he had directed the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) to ensure strict enforcement of the 45-day payment period for advertising services, following concerns raised by BON.
The minister further assured the delegation that the Ministry would engage relevant stakeholders on issues relating to affordable financing and spectrum allocation.
Idris described broadcasting as a critical pillar of democracy, national cohesion and public enlightenment, stressing the need for operators to provide citizens with credible and accurate information.
He urged broadcasters to maintain high standards of professionalism, fairness and ethical journalism, particularly as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
“Freedom of expression must go with responsibility. You cannot simply say anything and claim to be practising journalism. Journalism has standards, procedures and ethics. I urge broadcasters to ensure that what they report is factual, responsible and promotes national unity and peaceful coexistence,” he said.
Earlier, BON Chairman, Akiotu, commended the minister for his intervention during the June 2026 DSO launch, noting that the stakeholders’ meeting he organised 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 policy as some of the major challenges confronting the industry.
He reaffirmed BON’s commitment to dialogue, consultation and mediation as means of resolving disagreements and sustaining industrial harmony in the broadcasting sector.
“BON believes in dialogue, consultation and mediation to prevent a breakdown of industrial harmony in the broadcasting industry. We are grateful for your personal intervention during the DSO launch and seek your continued support in addressing the challenges affecting our members,” he said.
The minister congratulated BON on the successful hosting of its 82nd General Assembly in Calabar, reiterating the Federal Government’s commitment to sustained engagement and collaboration with industry stakeholders to strengthen broadcasting and ensure its long-term development.
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