The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has directed the Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to convene an immediate stakeholders’ meeting to address outstanding issues concerning the Digital Switch Over (DSO).
He also announced the suspension of all reviews of broadcast licence fees until further notice.
Idris gave the directives during a courtesy visit by the 82nd General Assembly of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) led by its Chairman, Tony Akiotu, on Monday in Abuja
The Minister said “We will resume the conversations around the DSO immediately. I am directing the Director-General of the NBC to convene a stakeholders’ meeting to look at the outstanding issues associated with the digital switchover,” .
On concerns raised about the cost of operating broadcast stations, Idris said the Federal Government would look into ways of addressing the challenges facing the industry. He also directed the NBC to expedite the review of the National Broadcasting Code and announced that all reviews relating to broadcast licence fees were suspended until further notice.
He said “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,” .
The Minister also addressed BON’s request for the enforcement of the 45-day payment period for advertising services, noting that he had already directed the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) to ensure full implementation. He said the Ministry would engage relevant stakeholders on affordable financing and spectrum concerns.
Idris, however, urged broadcasters to uphold professional standards, verify information and report responsibly, particularly as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.
The minister said “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,” .
Earlier, BON Chairman Tony Akiotu thanked the Minister for his intervention during the June 2026 DSO launch, saying the stakeholders’ meeting he convened helped address broadcasters’ concerns about ensuring a level playing field.
He also presented the industry’s concerns over the review of the National Broadcasting Code, licence fees, rising operating costs, access to financing, spectrum allocation and the implementation of the 45-day advertising payment period.
Akiotu said “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,”.
The Minister congratulated BON on successfully hosting its 82nd General Assembly in Calabar, Cross River State, and assured the delegation that the Ministry would continue to engage the industry on issues affecting its operations.
