Just In: FG Makes U-turn Reviews Shutdown Order Of AIT, Silverbird, Others

The suspension imposed on AIT/Ray Power FM, Silverbird TV Network, and 50 other radio and television stations has been reviewed by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).

Malam Balarabe Ilelah, the director-general of NBC, stated on Friday that the stations’ licenses had been revoked due to debts totaling N2.6 billion. He also gave the stations impacted 24 hours to cease operations.

However, a lot of people and organizations criticized the commission’s action. Although the commission declared that the censure had no political motivations, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) criticised NBC, claiming that the action was careless and poorly timed.

The Nigerian Guild of Editors also voiced worry on the directive to close the broadcast stations. The NGE stated that the decision, if not reversed, would result in the loss of thousands of employment in a nation where jobs were scarce. In a statement released by its President, Mustapha Isah, and General Secretary, Iyobosa Uwugiaren.

However, NBC said on Saturday that it had extended the deadline to 6 PM on Tuesday, August 23, 2022 as a result of the intervention of Concerned Groups and apparent concerted attempts by some defaulting Licensees to offset their debts.

“Following intervention of Concerned Groups and visible concerted efforts by some defaulting Licensees to offset their debts, The National Broadcasting Commission hereby serves this Notice of an extension of Deadline to Shutdown to 6.00 PM on Tuesday, August 23, 2022,” the statement read.