Nigerian Government Proposes New Social Media Regulations
The Nigerian Federal Government has proposed a bill aimed at regulating media platforms. The bill that has been presented to the National Assembly is targeted at revoking and revising the current NBC Act, CAP L11, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.
During the meeting held at the commission's main office, the Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Balarabe Ilelah, expressed the importance of this legislation by referring to social media as a "monster," during his conversation with Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation.
He stated that the bill is aimed at accommodating the transition from analogue to digital broadcasting services not covered in the present act of the commission while promoting quality audio and video, efficient spectrum management, Nigeria Broadcast Institute, social media regulation, and related matters.
“One of our major problems now is social media. Unless there is a law that allows NBC to act on social media issues, the issue will continue to be a monster in our daily lives in this country.”
Ilelah explained that the current legislation does not grant the NBC the power to supervise and control social media platforms. He publicly announced that the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) act is being considered for repeal and amendment in the National Assembly.
According to Ilelah, the commission possesses the authority to penalize any broadcaster according to the legislation that established the NBC. The commission prefers resolving issues through negotiation and understanding rather than resorting to sanctions. However, when there are no other options, sanctions are applied. The aim is for the stations and stakeholders to not perceive the NBC as an adversary, as the mention of NBC is often associated with sanctions.
He further stated that the NBC had issued 1,238 warnings this year,resulting in penalties for six different stations for breaking regulations.
