Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the Minister of Information and Culture, has on Thursday charged the National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, to step up its regulatory role ahead of the 2023 general elections.
Speaking at the inauguration of the new governing board of the NBC in Abuja today, reminded them of their roles to bequeath a good legacy.
He congratulated the members of the board for their appointment, hoping that they will all live up to expectations.
He said “note that the role of the board of any organization is to formulate policies, and NOT to engage in the day-to-day running of the organization. The Board is to evolve strategic ways of supporting the commission so it can most effectively deliver its mandate. I therefore enjoin you all to maintain a cordial relationship with the Chief Executive Officer of the Commission to engender a smooth working relationship.
“Also, please note that as we move closer to the 2023 general elections, the NBC will come under increasing pressure to step up its regulatory role to prevent a repeat of what transpired before, during and after the 2019 general elections, when some broadcast stations threw caution to the wind and engaged in inciting, incendiary and unprofessional broadcasts. It is important for the Commission to ensure that its licensees adhere strictly to the tenets of the Broadcasting Code.
In her remark, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry Of Information And Culture – Dr. Ifeoma Adaora Anyanwutaku said NBC as a regulator of the broadcasting industry in Nigeria, has the onerous responsibility of receiving, processing and considering applications and issuing of licenses for the establishment, ownership or operation of radio and television stations, including cable television services, direct satellite broadcast and any other broadcasting media.
She added that “Its many other responsibilities include but are not limited to determining and applying sanctions, including revocation of licenses of defaulting stations which do not operate in accordance with the broadcast code and in the public interest.
Dr. Anyanwutaku stated that by virtue of the provisions made in its enabling Act, NBC must discharge its mandate to the Nigeria people is of utmost importance.
“Let me at this point, categorically state, that the extant Federal Government Circulars guiding the appointment of members of Commissions must guide your functions and operations as Board members. Your role as members of the Governing Board, is essentially the deliberation of general policy formulations for implementation by the Management. You are therefore, not to be involved in the day-day running of the Commission.
The Permanent Secretary reminded the Commission to be guided by the provisions of the National Broadcasting Act, the Guides to Administrative procedures in the Federal Public Service, as well as the Public Service Rules.
