The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), has extended the period which all outstanding debts are to be paid from 24 hours to Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2022.
Solacebase reports that NBC, had on Friday revoked the licenses of the AIT/Ray Power FM (DAAR Communication Ltd., Silverbird TV Network and 50 other stations over N2.6 billion debts.
The commission ordered the affected stations to shutdown in the next 24 hours and directed NBC offices nationwide to collaborate with the security agencies to ensure immediate compliance.
However, many individuals and groups criticised the action of the commission.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) had faulted NBC, saying although the commission claimed that the sanction had no political motives, the action was ill-timed and reckless.
Similarly, the Nigerian Guild of Editors expressed concern over the order to shut down the broadcast stations.
In a statement by its President, Mustapha Isah, and the General Secretary, Iyobosa Uwugiaren, the NGE said the action, if not reversed, would lead to the loss of thousands of jobs in a country where jobs were scarce.
The Director-General of NBC, Malam Balarabe Ilelah, made the disclosure for the extension in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.
Ilelah, however, said that the extension of the enforcement date was due to an appeal by the affected broadcast stations, relevant stakeholders, public spirited individuals and organisations.
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” This is to inform all the affected broadcast stations whose licenses were revoked and given 24 hours to pay all outstanding license fees that NBC has extended the period which all outstanding debts are to be paid from 24 hours to Wednesday Aug. 23.
” All affected broadcast stations who fail to defray their debts on or before Aug. 23, 2022, are directed to shutdown by 12a.m. on Aug. 24, 2022,” the DG said. (NAN)
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