Stakeholders have presented a memorandum on the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill, 2023, outlining key recommendations for building a more independent, transparent, inclusive and future-ready broadcasting regulatory framework in Nigeria.
The memorandum comes as the 10th National Assembly works to repeal and re-enact the NBC Act in response to emerging realities in Nigeria’s broadcasting sector, including digital migration, the growth of online platforms, audience fragmentation and the need for stronger regulatory independence.
Key Areas of Reform
The memorandum identifies 10 key reform pillars:
- Institutional Independence: Reduce political and ministerial interference and promote transparent, merit-based appointments to the NBC Board and the position of Director-General.
- Licensing Reform: Establish a transparent, predictable and fair licensing process with clear criteria and judicial oversight.
- Online and Digital Content Regulation: Clearly define NBC’s jurisdiction and protect user-generated content, private communications and social media expression that do not constitute broadcasting.
- Sanctions and Appeals: Introduce due process, fair hearing, legal representation and independent avenues for appealing NBC decisions.
- Media Freedom and Sustainability: Strengthen protections for media freedom while supporting the financial and operational sustainability of the broadcasting industry.
- Financial Autonomy and Transparency: Establish clear funding mechanisms, independent audits and greater transparency in the management of NBC funds, including the Digital Access Fund.
- Public Accountability: Require regular publication of regulatory, financial and industry performance information and strengthen stakeholder participation.
- Inclusivity and Local Content: Promote the participation of women, youth, persons with disabilities and marginalised communities while strengthening local content requirements.
- Digital Switchover: Give greater prominence to Nigeria’s transition from analogue to digital broadcasting and provide clear frameworks for signal distribution, funding and capacity building.
- Environmental and Infrastructure Compliance: Promote infrastructure reuse, e-waste management and environmental compliance as part of Nigeria’s digital broadcasting transition.
The stakeholders emphasise that the proposed reforms present an important opportunity to align Nigeria’s broadcasting regulation with constitutional principles, international standards and the realities of the digital media environment. They also caution that unresolved ambiguities, excessive political control and inadequate procedural safeguards could undermine the credibility and effectiveness of the regulatory framework.
Read the Full Memorandum
The full memorandum provides detailed analysis of the gaps identified in the proposed Bill and practical recommendations across the 10 reform pillars.
