The Nigeria Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has extended its cancellation edict on debtor broadcast stations due to pressure from stakeholders in the telecommunication industry.
It had announced on Friday the revocation of the broadcast licenses of Silverbird TV, AIT, Raypower FM, and Rhythm FM, amongst others over their refusal to renew broadcast licenses.
However, in a new development titled: ‘NBC Extends Enforcement Of Revocation Order On Debtor Broadcast Stations From 24 Hours To Wednesday, August 24, 2022,’ which was issued on Saturday, NBC noted that the stations have till Wednesday to pay their debts or face the aftermath.
ATTENTION: Click “HERE” to join our WhatsApp group and receive News updates directly on your WhatsApp!
It read;
” This is to inform all the affected broadcast stations whose licenses were revoked and given 24 hours to pay all outstanding license fees that the National Broadcasting Commission has extended the period which all outstanding debts are to be paid from 24 hours to Wednesday, August 24, 2022.
All affected broadcast Stations who fail to defray their debts on or before August 24, 2022, are directed to shut down by 12 am on August 24, 2022.
This extension is due to the appeal by the affected Broadcast Stations, relevant stakeholders, public-spirited Individuals, and Organisations.”
Earlier, the Director General of the NBC, Mallam Balarabe Shehu had directed NBC state offices to organise with security agencies to assure the shut down of the operation of affected stations within the next 24 hours.
Shehu stated that the licenses of about 52 television and radio stations were restrained over failure to pay federal licensing charges to the tune of N2.6 billion.
According to the NBC DG, these stations were warned for several months to pay licensing costs for their operations but failed to comply.
