FG Halts Broadcast Licence Fee Hike, Orders Fresh Talks on Digital Switch-Over

​Information Minister Mohammed Idris directs NBC to convene an urgent industry meeting, pledges enforcement of 45-day advertising payment window for media outlets.
​ABUJA — The Federal Government has suspended all proposed increases and reviews of broadcast licence fees while ordering an immediate revival of stakeholder talks to resolve lingering hurdles surrounding Nigeria’s Digital Switch Over (DSO) project.
​The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, issued the directives on Monday in Abuja during a courtesy visit by the executive leadership of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), led by its Chairman, Senior High Chief Dr. Tony Akiotu.
​Addressing the 82nd General Assembly delegation, Idris directed the Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to assemble industry players to address unresolved issues crippling the nationwide digital transition.
​“We will resume the conversations around the DSO immediately. I am directing the Director-General of the NBC to convene a stakeholders’ meeting to look at the outstanding issues associated with the digital switchover,” Idris stated.
​Frozen Licence Fees and Code Reviews
​In response to growing complaints over high operational overheads, the minister halted any pending upward adjustments to broadcast licence costs across the country.
​“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,” he announced, adding that the NBC must also expedite its ongoing review of the National Broadcasting Code.
​Addressing revenue delays that have long plagued media establishments, Idris disclosed that he had directed the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) to strictly enforce a standard 45-day payment window for advertising services. He further promised ministry-level engagements to help stations access affordable financing and resolve spectrum allocation constraints.
​Ethics Ahead of 2027
​While acknowledging the economic headwinds facing media houses, the minister cautioned broadcast managers against compromising professional ethics, particularly as political activities ramp up ahead of the 2027 general elections.
​“Freedom of expression must go with responsibility. You cannot simply say anything and claim to be practising journalism. Journalism has standards, procedures and ethics,” Idris warned, urging broadcasters to prioritize factual, balanced reporting that fosters national stability.
​Broadcasters Applaud FG Intervention
​Speaking on behalf of the industry, BON Chairman SHC Dr. Tony Akiotu commended the minister’s prior interventions—specifically during the June 2026 DSO launch—which he said helped protect local broadcasting interests and ensure a balanced playing field.
​Akiotu reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to dialogue over confrontation, emphasizing that statutory support regarding spectrum fees, code reviews, and advertising collections remains vital to preventing industrial disruption.
​The minister congratulated BON on the successful conclusion of its 82nd General Assembly in Calabar, Cross River State, reiterating the government’s commitment to sustained engagement with private and public media operators.