The Federal Government has unveiled the reviewed sixth Broadcasting Code of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).
The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, who unveiled the document on Tuesday in Lagos revealed that government has raised the fine for hate speech from N500,000 to N5 million.
He explained that the code was reviewed in line with the directive of the President for an inquiry into the regulatory role of the NBC in the wake of the 2019 general elections.
According to him ,”the broadcasting Code is not a static document. As we often say, broadcasting is dynamic. Therefore, even the 6th Edition of the Code shall be reviewed at the appropriate time.”
Mohammed noted that President Buhari had also ordered the probe of the conduct of the various broadcast stations before, during and after the polls.
He stated that following the inquiry, the President approved many recommendations aimed at repositioning the NBC to better perform its regulatory role.
The minister highlighted that notable among the recommendations was the need to amend the provisions in the Broadcasting Code and Act.
He, however, decried reactions to the last amendment from people who belief their business interest was superior to that of the nation and resorted to blackmail and using what he called hack writers.
“Ladies and gentlemen, we remain unperturbed, because we are acting in the national interest. The Broadcasting Code is not a static document. As we often say, broadcasting is dynamic. Therefore, even the 6th Edition of the Code shall be reviewed at the appropriate time.”
Our intention remains the good of the country. We need to catalyse the growth of the local industry. We need to create jobs for our teeming creative youths.
The opportunities must be created and we believe that effective regulatory interventions are a sure way of attaining this. That’s why we will not waver.
For those who still have misgivings about the amendment to the 6th Edition of the Code, we expect you to meet with the regulator and present your views.
He stated that government’s intention was for the good of the country and stressed the need to catalyse the growth of the local industry and create jobs for creative Nigerian youths.
