NUJ Faults NBC’s Sanction Of 52 Broadcast Stations

NEWSDAILYNIGERIA: The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), has faulted the sanction of 52 broadcast stations by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).

NUJ described the decision of the Commission to revoke the licenses of 52 broadcast stations nationwide over indebtedness as ill timed and reckless.

In a statement signed by the National President, Comrade Chris Isiguzo and made available to newsmen on Friday, NUJ further called on NBC to observe more restraint on the issue especially at this critical time in our nation’s history.

“the decision today by Industry Regulator , the National Broadcasting Commission – NBC, to revoke the licenses of 52 broadcast stations nationwide over indebtedness to the Commission was ill advised.”

Though, the affected stations, according to NBC are said to owe arrears of licence fees amounting to N2.6 billon since 2015.

Meanwhile, the Director General of NBC, Malam Balarabe Shehu Ilelah claimed that this development had no political motives.

According to NUJ, the revocation of licences at this critical time of insecurity in the Country appears to be a decision taken without careful prior deliberation, consultation or counsel.

“While we regret the inability of these broadcast stations to fulfill their obligations to NBC, in-view of dwindling resources, we caution against such large scale clampdown of broadcast stations in disregard to security issues and the attendant consequence. We cannot afford the unpleasant outcome of such media blackout at this time.

“We call on NBC to exercise more restraint on this issue in consideration of national security and allow for more dialogue and consultation to find a better way of dealing with the situation,” the statement added