NBC Shuts AIT, STV Others Over N2.6bn Debt

The National Broadcasting Commission, on Friday, directed the African Independent Television, Silverbird Television and the broadcasting corporations run by various state governments to shut down their operations within the next 24 hours over debts amounting to at least N2.6bn.

The Director-General of the NBC, Mallam Balarabe Shehu, who made the disclosure in a statement on Friday, said the development followed the failure of the media houses to renew their broadcast licences.

He also directed its state offices to liaise with security agencies to ensure the shut down of the operation of the stations within the next 24 hours.

According to the statement, the broadcast regulator had published lists of stations yet to renew their licences three months ago.

The commission said, despite the publication, “some licensees are yet to pay their outstanding debts, in contravention of the National Broadcasting Commission Act CAP N11, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, particularly section 10(a) of the third schedule of the Act.

“Therefore, after due consideration, NBC hereby announces the revocation of the licenses of the…stations and gives them 24 hours to shut down their operations.

“Our offices nationwide are hereby directed to collaborate with security agencies to ensure immediate compliance.”