“Any Increase In Licence Fees Is Hereby Put On Hold” — FG Suspends Broadcast Licence Fee Review, Orders NBC To Comply

The Federal Government has suspended all proposed reviews and increases in broadcast licence fees until further notice, following concerns raised by broadcasting organisations over rising operational costs and the difficult business environment confronting the industry.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, announced the suspension on Monday, November 9, 2026, in Abuja during a meeting with a delegation of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), led by its Chairman, Tony Akiotu.

Idris said the decision was part of the Federal Government’s efforts to address the challenges facing broadcast operators and create a more conducive environment for the industry.

He consequently directed the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to suspend all ongoing reviews relating to broadcast licence fees pending further consideration of the situation.

“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 minister declared.

The decision followed longstanding concerns about the financial implications of increasing licence fees at a time when television and radio stations are contending with rising operational expenses and other challenges affecting their businesses.

The proposed review of broadcast licence fees dates back to July 2023, when the then Director-General of the NBC, Balarabe Ilelah, disclosed that the Commission was considering an upward adjustment of the charges payable by television and radio stations.

The proposal attracted opposition from BON, which argued that the difficult operating environment made an increase in licence fees inappropriate.

However, in August 2023, Ilelah defended the existing charges, explaining that the Commission had not reviewed broadcast licence fees for more than 20 years.

With the latest directive, the Federal Government has now placed the proposed increases and related reviews on hold while further consultations are undertaken to address the industry’s concerns.

Beyond the suspension of licence fee reviews, Idris also directed the Director-General of the NBC to expedite the review of the National Broadcasting Code.

He explained that the review was necessary to ensure that the regulatory framework governing broadcasting reflects emerging developments and current realities in the industry.

The minister also addressed concerns surrounding the Digital Switch-Over (DSO) programme, assuring the BON delegation that he would convene a stakeholders’ meeting to examine outstanding issues affecting its implementation.

On the payment of advertising debts, Idris disclosed that he had directed the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) to enforce the 45-day payment period for advertising services.

The directive followed BON’s request for the implementation of the payment policy, which the organisation considered necessary to address financial challenges affecting broadcasters.

Idris further assured the delegation that the ministry would engage relevant stakeholders on difficulties associated with access to affordable financing and spectrum allocation.

He maintained that the Federal Government remained committed to consultations and cooperation with broadcasting organisations to address challenges confronting the sector.

The minister, however, used the occasion to remind broadcasters of their professional and ethical responsibilities, particularly as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.

He cautioned that freedom of expression must be exercised responsibly and urged media organisations to uphold accuracy, fairness and professional standards in their reporting.

“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,” Idris said.

The minister emphasised that broadcasters have a responsibility to ensure that information disseminated to the public is factual and does not undermine peaceful coexistence.

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

Akiotu recalled that the stakeholders’ meeting convened by the minister helped address concerns about establishing a level playing field for operators within the broadcasting industry.

He identified the proposed review of broadcast licence fees, rising operational costs, the National Broadcasting Code, access to financing, spectrum allocation and the enforcement of the 45-day advertising payment period as some of the major issues requiring government intervention.

According to him, resolving these concerns through constructive engagement would help strengthen the industry and prevent disputes between operators and regulatory authorities.

“BON believes in dialogue, consultation and mediation to prevent a breakdown of industrial harmony in the broadcasting industry. We are grateful for your personal intervention during the DSO launch and seek your continued support in addressing the challenges affecting our members,” Akiotu stated.

The BON chairman urged the minister to sustain consultations with broadcasting organisations and ensure that the concerns raised by operators receive the necessary attention.

Responding, Idris congratulated BON on its 82nd General Assembly held in Calabar, Cross River State, and reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to working with industry stakeholders.

He assured the delegation that the ministry would continue to promote dialogue aimed at strengthening the broadcasting industry and addressing the difficulties confronting operators.

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