FG suspends review of broadcast licence fees

Politics Spice Special Features Education Sex & Relationship Interview Columns Opinion Advertise with us FG suspends review of broadcast licence fees News November 9, 2026 10:32 pm File photo: Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris

The Federal Government has suspended all reviews of broadcast licence fees until further notice.

The decision followed concerns by operators over rising costs in the broadcasting industry.

The proposed review of broadcast licence fees dates back to July 2023, when the then Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission, Balarabe Ilelah, disclosed that the commission was considering an upward review of charges for television and radio stations.

The proposal was, however, opposed by the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria, which cited the difficult operating environment facing broadcasters.

In August 2023, Ilelah defended the existing charges, saying the commission had not reviewed its licence fees for more than 20 years.

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, led by its Chairman, Tony Akiotu.

Idris said the suspension was part of efforts to address the challenges confronting the industry and create a more conducive environment for broadcast operators.

“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 to expedite the review of the National Broadcasting Code to ensure that the regulatory framework reflects developments and emerging realities in the industry.

On the Digital Switch-Over programme, Idris promised to convene a stakeholders’ meeting to address outstanding issues.

He also disclosed that he had directed the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria to enforce the 45-day payment period for advertising services, following BON’s request for the policy’s implementation.

The minister further assured the delegation that the ministry would engage relevant stakeholders on concerns over access to affordable financing and spectrum allocation.

Idris urged broadcasters to maintain professionalism 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. I urge broadcasters to ensure that what they report is factual, responsible and promotes national unity and peaceful coexistence,” he said.

Earlier, Akiotu commended the minister for his intervention during the June 2026 launch of the Digital Switch-Over programme, saying the stakeholders’ meeting he convened helped address concerns about creating a level playing field for operators.

He 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 period as some of the challenges facing the industry.

“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,” Akiotu said.

The minister congratulated BON on its 82nd General Assembly held in Calabar, Cross River State, and reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to dialogue with stakeholders to strengthen the broadcasting industry.

Nathaniel Shaibu is a correspondent at The PUNCH with three years of professional journalism experience. He covers the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), civil society, religion, and the Ministries of Women Affairs and Youth Development. In addition to his primary beats, Nathaniel also reports on politics, metro, security, and judicial matters, bringing clarity and balance to a wide range of public-interest stories. His work reflects hands-on newsroom experience, strong beat knowledge, and a commitment to accurate, responsible journalism.

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