The federal government has directed the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to implement measures for the regulation of online media in Nigeria.
Okay.ng understands that the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, conveyed this order in a statement issued on Thursday.
According to the minister, the move became necessary after studying the recent report of the committee assigned to figure out the modalities for implementing the recommendations approved by the President Muhammadu Buhari.
The statement reads, “Following my satisfaction with the report which was very professional and detailed, I wish to direct the Commission to take the necessary measures to effect the implementation of the various provisions therein”.
“This directive covers the provision for the regulation of the web and online TV/radio; regulation of international broadcasters beaming signals into Nigeria; hate speech; human resource and staff welfare; funding for the reforms implementation; monitoring; Independence of the Regulator and ease of issuing Licenses as well as competition and monopoly issues”.
“This regulation prevents the misuse of monopoly or market power or anti-competitive and unfair practices by a foreign or local broadcaster to suppress other local broadcasters in the television and radio markets, having removed exclusivity from all content in Nigeria and mandated the sharing of all content upon the payment of commercially viable fees.”
In addition, the information minister explained that part of the conditions of the new regulations is, producers of content get regular pay for sponsored contents and adverts on the various broadcast platforms.
In fulfilment of the regulatory requirements for 70 percent local content, production of adverts will be localized to create and promote local production.
