Tobias Sylvester
The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has revoked the licenses of over 50 television and radio stations including the African Independent Television (AIT), Silverbird Television (STV), Raypower FM, and Rhythm FM amongst others.
NBC Revoke Stations’ Licences
NDC Director-General, Balarabe Shehu Ilelah, who disclosed this at a press conference in Abuja on Friday, August 19, said the decision was made because the affected stations failed to to renew their broadcast licences amounting to N2.66 billion.
Ilelah said a two-week waiver was given to them in May to pay their debts which they have been owing since 2015, but after failing to do so, the affected stations have been asked to shut down their operations within 24 hours.
But three months after the publication, NBC said, “some licensees are yet to pay their outstanding debts, in contravention of the National Broadcasting Commission Act CAP N11, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, particularly section 10(a) of the third schedule of the Act.
“Therefore, after due consideration, NBC hereby announces the revocation of the licenses of the…stations and gives them 24 hours to shut down their operations. Our offices nationwide are hereby directed to collaborate with security agencies to ensure immediate compliance.”
“All stations who have not renewed their licences for the current duration and are advised to do so within 30 days to avoid sanctions.”
“The Commission also calls on all IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) and all other broadcast stations that are streaming online to register with the Commission to avoid disconnection.
“Broadcasters should note that having a DTT or FM license does not warrant a broadcaster to stream online; they are two different licences,” Ilelah added.
Below is a full list of the affected stations.
Silverbird TV
AIT
Rhythm FM
Greetings FM
Tao FM
Zuma FM
Crowther FM
WE FM
Linksman International Ltd,
Bomay Broadcasting Services Ltd,
MITV
Classic FM
Classic TV
Beat FM
Cooper Communications Ltd,
Splash FM
Rock City FM
Family FM
Space FM
Radio Jeremi
Wave FM
Kogi State Broadcasting Corporation,
Kwara State Broadcasting Corporation,
Niger State Broadcasting Corporation,
Breeze FM
Vibes FM
Family Love FM
KanyiDaily recalls that the NBC had accused the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, of securing presidential approval for radio licences for 30 unvetted and unprocessed companies.
