The Federal Government has suspended all reviews of broadcast licence fees until further notice, following concerns by broadcasters over rising operational costs and other challenges facing the industry.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, announced the decision on Monday in Abuja during a meeting with a delegation of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), led by its chairman, Tony Akiotu.

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The meeting followed BON’s 82nd General Assembly, where members raised concerns about the increasing cost of operating broadcast stations across the country.

“Any increase in licence fees is hereby put on hold. All reviews relating to licences are suspended until further notice. I am directing the NBC to ensure strict compliance while we review the situation,” Idris said.

The minister also directed the Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to accelerate the review of the National Broadcasting Code to ensure it reflects developments in the broadcasting industry.

On the digital switch-over (DSO), Idris promised to convene a stakeholders’ meeting to address outstanding issues surrounding the transition.

He also disclosed that he had directed the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) to ensure full implementation of the 45-day payment period for advertising services.

According to the minister, the Federal Government would further engage relevant stakeholders on concerns about access to affordable financing and spectrum allocation.

Idris described broadcasting as essential to strengthening democracy, promoting national cohesion and ensuring that citizens have access to credible and accurate information.

With the 2027 general election approaching, he urged broadcasters to maintain professionalism, fairness and ethical standards in their reporting.

“Freedom of expression must go with responsibility. You cannot simply say anything and claim to be practising journalism. Journalism has standards, procedures and ethics. I urge broadcasters to ensure that what they report is factual, responsible and promotes national unity and peaceful coexistence,” he said.

Earlier, Akiotu commended Idris for his intervention during the June 2026 DSO launch, saying a stakeholders’ meeting convened by the minister helped address concerns about ensuring a level playing field for operators.

He identified the review of the National Broadcasting Code, broadcast licence fees, rising operational costs, access to financing, spectrum allocation and implementation of the 45-day advertising payment period as major issues confronting the industry.

Akiotu said BON favoured dialogue and consultation as means of resolving disputes and preventing industrial disharmony in the broadcasting sector.

“BON believes in dialogue, consultation and mediation to prevent a breakdown of industrial harmony in the broadcasting industry. We are grateful for your personal intervention during the DSO launch and seek your continued support in addressing the challenges affecting our members,” he said.

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Idris congratulated BON on the successful hosting of its 82nd General Assembly in Calabar, Cross River State, and reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to dialogue and collaboration with stakeholders in the broadcasting industry.