The Federal Government has suspended all reviews of broadcast licence fees until further notice, following concerns raised by operators over the rising cost of running broadcast stations in Nigeria.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, announced the decision on Monday in Abuja during a meeting with a delegation of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria, BON, led by its Chairman, Tony Akiotu.

Idris said the suspension was part of efforts to address the challenges confronting the broadcasting industry and create a more conducive operating environment for broadcast stations across the country.

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 proposed review of broadcast licence fees dates back to July 2023, when the then Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission, Balarabe Ilelah, disclosed that the commission was considering an upward review of charges for television and radio stations.

The proposal was opposed by the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria, which cited the difficult operating environment facing broadcasters.

In August 2023, Ilelah defended the existing charges, saying the commission had not reviewed its licence fees for more than 20 years.

The Minister also directed the Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission to expedite the review of the National Broadcasting Code.

He said the review was necessary to ensure that the regulatory framework reflected developments and emerging realities in the industry.

On the Digital Switch-Over programme, Idris promised to convene a stakeholders’ meeting to address outstanding issues.

He also disclosed that he had directed the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria to enforce the 45-day payment period for advertising services.
The decision followed a request by BON for the implementation of the policy.

The Minister further assured the delegation that the ministry would engage relevant stakeholders on concerns over access to affordable financing and spectrum allocation.

Idris urged broadcasters to maintain professionalism and ethical standards, particularly as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.

He 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.”

The BON Chairman, Tony Akiotu, commended the Minister for his intervention during the June 2026 launch of the Digital Switch-Over programme.

He said the stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Minister helped address concerns about creating a level playing field for operators.

Akiotu identified the review of the National Broadcasting Code, broadcast licence fees, rising operational costs, access to financing, spectrum allocation and enforcement of the 45-day advertising payment period as some of the challenges facing the industry.

He said BON believed in dialogue, consultation and mediation to prevent a breakdown of industrial harmony in the broadcasting industry.

Akiotu also sought the continued support of the Federal Government in addressing the challenges affecting members of the association.

The Minister congratulated BON on its 82nd General Assembly held in Calabar, Cross River State, and reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to dialogue with stakeholders to strengthen the broadcasting industry.