The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has temporarily lifted the suspension imposed on 52 media outlets nationwide due to unpaid commission debt.
Rhythm FM, AIT, Silverbird, and certain state radio stations received a shutdown warning from the commission on Friday, August 19, 2022, due to an estimated $2.6 billion in debt that has accumulated since 2015.
However, the organization claimed in a statement signed and made public on Friday by its Director General, Malam Balarabe Sheu Ilelah, that it had decided to suspend the ban following thorough deliberation and favorable feedback from the impacted media outlets.
The Broadcasting Organizations of Nigeria (BON) and other important stakeholders were also recognized by the body for their quick action.
While stressing that the organization continues to be committed to the norms of ethics governing the work of the commission, NBC expressed its sympathies in the same way with the impacted media outlets over the challenges that must have arisen as a result of the suspension.
The statement reads: “Following the ultimatum, the Commission received positive responses from the debtor Licensees, including big players in the broadcast industry
“Sequel to a follow-up meeting held with Executives of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), and other critical Stakeholders in the industry, the commission has decided to temporarily suspend the shutdown of the indebted Broadcast stations all over the country.
“We express Our profound appreciation to the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria, the affected licensees and Broadcast Stakeholders for their responses and interventions. We, specifically, thank DAAR Communications Ltd and Silverbird TV/Rhythm FM for their responses.
“The Commission is not unaware of the difficulties this shutdown must have caused the operators and other stakeholders, but must state that the Commission will always operate within the National Broadcasting Commission Act, Cap. N11, Laws of the Federation, 2004.”
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