The Federal Government has suspended all reviews of broadcast licence fees until further notice in a move aimed at easing the financial pressures facing Nigeria’s broadcasting industry.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, announced the decision on Monday during a meeting with representatives of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON).
The delegation, led by BON Chairman Tony Akiotu, visited the minister following the organisation’s 82nd General Assembly. Idris said the suspension followed concerns raised by broadcasters over the rising cost of operating television and radio stations.
He directed the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to ensure strict compliance with the suspension while the government reviews the situation. The minister also asked the commission’s Director-General to accelerate the review of the National Broadcasting Code to reflect changes in the broadcasting industry.
On the Digital Switch-Over programme, Idris promised to convene a stakeholders’ meeting to address outstanding issues. He also said the government would engage industry players on access to affordable financing and spectrum allocation.
Addressing BON’s request for enforcement of the 45-day payment period for advertising services, the minister said he had directed the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria to ensure full implementation of the requirement.
Idris also urged broadcasters to maintain professionalism, fairness and ethical standards ahead of the 2027 general elections. He said freedom of expression must come with responsibility and called on stations to ensure their reports were factual and promote national unity and peaceful coexistence.
Akiotu commended the minister for his earlier intervention during the June 2026 Digital Switch-Over launch, saying the engagement helped create a level playing field for operators.
He listed the industry’s major concerns as licence fees, the broadcasting code review, rising operating costs, financing, spectrum allocation and delayed advertising payments. He said BON remained committed to dialogue and consultation to prevent industrial disputes.
