NBC shuts down AIT, STV stations, others over N2.6bn debt

The National Broadcasting Commission has revoked the licenses of multiple media houses including the African Independent Television, Silverbird Television and others.

The NBC’s directive which was given on Friday includes the broadcasting corporations run by various state governments which have been ordered to shut down their operations within the next 24 hours over debts amounting to at least N2.6bn.

The Director-General of the NBC, Balarabe Ilelah, disclosed this to journalists at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

According to the NBC, all the television and radio stations affected must halt operations in the next 24 hours.

He noted that the stations owe a total of N2.6bn; adding that some of the stations affected have not renewed their licences since 2015.

“This is the first batch, there are those who have not renewed their licence since 2015, 2016 and 2017. We are asking them to come and pay their licence fees,” he said.

He warned that all stations that have not renewed their licences should do so in 30 days to avoid sanction.