The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has clarified that no television or radio station in Nigeria is penalized without prior notice. According to the commission, outlets that face fines, license suspensions, or other enforcement actions have been repeatedly cautioned for violating the broadcasting code.
This statement was made by Ijeoma Theo-Obodo, the South-East Zonal Director of NBC, during the 13th Vision Africa Training Institute held in Umuahia, Abia State. She emphasized that the NBC does not act arbitrarily or single out broadcasters unfairly.
Theo-Obodo explained that the commission’s primary role is to preserve the integrity of the airwaves and shield audiences from harmful or inappropriate content. She dismissed allegations that the NBC is harsh or biased in its regulatory approach.
She further urged the public to report any offensive material or unprofessional broadcasts to the NBC for proper review and action. The zonal director also noted that some musical works, even those labeled as religious, are not suitable for general listening and may breach broadcasting standards.
During the event, Abia State Governor Alex Otti and Methodist Archbishop Sunday Ndukwo Onuoha called on media professionals to harness artificial intelligence for national unity and progress rather than spreading misinformation or creating anxiety. They underscored the need for responsible use of technology in journalism.
The NBC representative commended the Vision Africa Institute for educating media practitioners on the ethical application of AI, highlighting the importance of training in maintaining broadcast standards.