NUJ Frowns At NBC Cancel Of License Of 52 Broadcast Stations

The National Union of Journalists, NUJ, has frowned against the decision of the National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, to cancel the licenses of 52 notable broadcast stations in Nigeria.

NBC recently withdraw the broadcast licences of Silverbird TV, AIT, Raypower FM, and Rhythm FM, amongst others which has consequently rouse reaction from NUJ’s National President, Chris Isiguzo.

The decision for the action taken by the NBC was disclosed by Director-General of the NBC, Mallam Balarabe Shehu. In his disclosure this Friday, he revealed that the development was as a result of the failure of the media houses to renew their broadcast licences.

He also directed its state offices to liaise with security agencies to ensure the shut down of the operation of these stations within the next 24 hours.

Condemning the revocation, Isiguzo said such a decision appeared to have been taken without careful deliberation.

In a statement he signed, Isiguzo said:
“Media Release NBC: A hasty decision The decision today by the Industry Regulator, the National Broadcasting Commission – NBC, to revoke the licenses of 52 broadcast stations nationwide over-indebtedness to the Commission was ill-advised. The affected stations, according to NBC, are said to owe arrears of licence fees amounting to N2.6 billion since 2015.

“Although the Director General of NBC, Malam Balarabe Shehu Ilelah claimed that this development had no political motives, yet we insist that the action was ill-timed and reckless. It should be noted that this wholesale revocation of licences 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 fulfil their obligations to NBC, in view of dwindling resources, we caution against such a large-scale clampdown of broadcast stations in disregard to security issues and the attendant consequence.

“We cannot afford the unpleasant outcome of such a media blackout at this time. We call on NBC to exercise more restraint on this issue in consideration of national security and allow for more dialogue and consultation to find a better way of dealing with the situation.”