SERAP To Sue NBC For Slamming N9 Million Fines On Arise Tv, Others
Following the amendment of the Broadcasting Code in Nigeria, the National Broadcasting Commission, NBC board has accused Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed of involving in illegality.
Chairman of the NBC Board, Ikra Aliyu Bilbis during a press conference in Abuja accused the Minister of amending the broadcasting code alone without due consultation.
According to Ikra, the amendments include the increase of hate speech fine from N500,000 to 5 million naira and the provision for sub-licensing of all broadcast contents among others.
He revealed that none out of the over fifty position papers that were received for the sixth amendment of the code was considered during the amendment.
The Chairman further stated that the need to strengthen the operations of the NBC to avert the divisive broadcasts by some broadcasters during and after the 2019 general elections were communicated to the Minister of Information and Culture.
He, however, noted that the observation was misunderstood by the Minister of Information by embarking on the review alone adding that such action is illegal.
Meanwhile, he said the board of the NBC has decided to recognise the 6th edition of the NB code which was launched in 2019 in Kano as the only NB Code.
He also insisted that the amendments of the broadcasting code will destroy investments and lead to job losses.