The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has announced the suspension of reviews of broadcast licence fees until further notice.
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, Senior High Chief Dr Tony Akiotu, according to a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Rabiu Ibrahim.
The minister said the suspension was part of efforts to address the challenges facing broadcasting organisations, particularly rising operational costs.
“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.
He also directed the Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to expedite the review of the National Broadcasting Code to reflect developments in the broadcasting industry.
On the Digital Switch-Over (DSO), Idris promised to convene a stakeholders’ meeting to address outstanding issues.
He said he had directed the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) to enforce the 45-day payment period for advertising services.
The minister also promised to engage relevant stakeholders on concerns relating to access to affordable financing and spectrum allocation.
He urged broadcasters to maintain professional and ethical standards, particularly as the country prepares for 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,” he said.
Earlier, BON Chairman, Dr. Tony Akiotu, commended the minister for his intervention during the June 2026 Digital Switch-Over launch, saying the stakeholders’ meeting he convened helped address concerns over a level playing field for operators.
He identified the review of the National Broadcasting Code, licence fees, rising operational costs, access to financing, spectrum allocation and enforcement of the 45-day advertising payment period as some of the challenges facing the industry.
Akiotu said BON favoured dialogue and consultation in resolving issues affecting broadcasting organisations.
The minister congratulated the organisation on its 82nd General Assembly in Calabar, Cross River State, and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to continued engagement with industry stakeholders.
