Broadcast Commission revokes licenses of 52 media firms

Solomon Chung, Abuja

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The National Broadcasting Commission in Nigeria has announced the revocation of the operation licenses of  the  Africa Independent Television (AIT), Raypower FM, Silverbird television, and Rhythm FM, among others media houses, including both private and government owned.

At a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, the Director General of the Commission, Mallam Balarabe Shehua Ilelah disclosed that the simple reason behind the revocation was due to the inability or refusal of the stations to renew their operation licenses fees over time in spite of several warnings.

The Director General of the NBC, also directed its state offices to work with security operatives to ensure that the stations are shut down within the next 24 hours.

He however made it clear that the revocation action cuts across all entities and there was no political undertone whatsoever to it.

Also, the Commission called 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 licenses, he stated.

With this action, Mallam Ilelah advised other Broadcast stations that have not renewed their licenses for the current duration to do so within the next 30 days to avoid sanctions.

“In May 2022, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) published in the National Dailies, the list of licensees that are indebted to the Commission, and granted them two weeks to renew their licenses and pay their debts or consider their licenses revoked, frequencies withdrawn and the withdrawn frequencies reassigned to others who are ready to abide by the necessary requirements.

Three months after the publication, 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. In view of this development, the continued operation of the debtor-stations is illegal and constitutes a threat to national security.

Therefore, after due consideration, the NBC hereby announces the revocation of the licenses of the under-listed 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.

However when asked about the relationship between the revocation and the paucity of funds in the federal system, he said there is no relationship. However, he said the same license fee is part of revenue to be used to service the system which is natural. He said the NBC was simply doing the assigned mandate given to it by law and expects entities to obey the laws of the land.

While answering question from newsmen at the briefing the DG said there was nothing draconian about the action, he said rather, the refusal to obey the law is what is draconian.

Here is the list of affected stations:

  1. Rhythm FM (Silverbird Communications Ltd) FM Abuja
  2.  Rhythm FM (Silverbird Communications Ltd) FM Lagos
  3.  Rhythm FM (Silverbird Communications Ltd) FM Yenagoa
  4. Rhythm FM (Silverbird Communications Ltd) FM Port Harcourt
  5. Rhythm FM (Silverbird Communications Ltd) FM Jos
  6. Rhythm FM (Silverbird Communication Ltd) Benin
  7. AIT/Ray Power FM (DAAR Communication ltd) Network
  8. Greetings FM (Greetings Media Ltd)
  9. FM Network Tao FM (Ovidi Communications Ltd)
  10. FM Okene, Zuma FM (Zuma FM Ltd)
  11. FM Suleja Crowther FM (Crowther Communications Ltd) FM Abuja
  12. We FM (Kings Broadcasting Ltd)
  13. FM Benin Linksman International Itd
  14. Keffi Bomay Broadcasting Services Ltd Abuja
  15. MITV (Murhi International Group Ltd) Ibadan
  16. Classic FM (Pinkt Nigeria Ltd) Port-Harcourt
  17. Classic FM (Pinkt Nigeria Ltd) Lagos
  18. Classic TV (Pinkt Nigeria Ltd) Lagos
  19. Beat FM (Megalectrics LTD) Lagos
  20.  Cooper Communications Ltd Lagos
  21. Splash FM (West Midlands Ltd) Ibadan
  22. Osun State Broadcasting Corporation
  23. Rock City FM (Boot Communications Ltd) Abeokuta
  24. Family FM (Kalaks Investments Nig. Ltd) Ilugun
  25. Space FM (Creazioni Nig. Ltd) Ibadan
  26. Radio Jeremi (Radio Jeremi Itd) Effurun
  27. Breeze FM (Bays Water Ltd) Akure
  28. Vibes FM (Vibes Communication Ltd) Benin
  29. Family Love FM (Multimesh Broadcasting Co. Ltd) Port-Harcourt
  30. Wave FM (South Atlantic Media Ltd)
  31. Kogi State Broadcasting Corporation
  32. Kwara State Broadcasting Corporation
  33. Niger State Broadcasting Corporation
  34. Gombe State Broadcasting Corporation
  35. Lagos State Broadcasting Corporation
  36. Ogun State Broadcasting Corporation
  37. Ondo State Broadcasting Corporation
  38. Rivers State Broadcasting Corporation
  39. Bayelsa State Broadcasting Corporation
  40. Cross River State Broadcasting Corporation
  41. Imo State Broadcasting Corporation
  42. Anambra State Broadcasting Corporation
  43. Borno State Broadcasting Corporation
  44. Yobe State Broadcasting Corporation
  45. Sokoto State Broadcasting Corporation
  46. Zamfara State Broadcasting Corporation
  47. Kebbi State Broadcasting Corporation
  48. Jigawa State Broadcasting Corporation
  49. Kaduna State Broadcasting Corporation
  50. Katsina State Broadcasting Corporation

 

 

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