Broadcasting
Committee on Digitization Goes to Work
Federal government has inaugurated a 25-man advisory committee to ensure the smooth transition of the transition from analogue to digital broadcasting. The committee is headed by Engr. Isaac Wakombo, a former Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) staff.
It also has Engr. Eddy Amana of the Broadcasting Organization of Nigeria (BON) as chairman (technical) while Kemlinks International Limited is on the committee as technical Consultants.
Other members of the committee include a member each from Nigerian Television Authority, Nigerian Film and Video Censors Board, Nigerian Film Corporation, Standards Organization of Nigeria, Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Environment, Housing and Urban Development, Nigerian Consumer Protection Council.
The committee also accommodates members from the Association of Cable Operators of Nigeria, Daar Communication, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Communication Commission, Channels Television, Newage Communications, National Broadcasting Commission, Silverbird Communication, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, a retired director of the Osun State Broadcasting Service and an NTA retired director of Marketing.
John Odey, minister of Information and Communications explained that the inauguration of the committee was a direct response of president Umaru Musa Yar’Adua to the instruction from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) that member countries should accomplish transition from analogue to digital broadcasting by the year 2015 for the UHF and 2020 for the VHF.
He informed that the NBC given the urgency of the project envisaged that the transition is achievable earlier than the deadline of 2015 and consequently set June 17, 2012 as Nigeria’s own deadline for the switchover.
Represented by Alhaji Ibrahim Dasuki Nakande, minister of state in the ministry, Odey said that president Yar’Adua is fully aware that Nigeria cannot be left behind in the issue given the drastic consequences failure to comply will bring on the nation’s broadcast industry and the information sector in general.
According to him, "if we do not follow the trend, our country will become a dumping ground for analogue equipment apart from loosing other benefits associated with digitization."
The committee which has three months to conclude and submit its report would work with the following terms of reference – recommend a policy on digital terrestrial broadcast transition using global best practices, recommend appropriate regulatory framework, recommend a national broadcasting model, assess the impact of digitisation on consumers and recommend possible government intervention, determine the quantum of expected digital dividend, assess the environmental impact of digitisation if any and recommend steps to be taken as well as advice government on any action relevant to smooth transition in Nigeria.
Engr. Yomi Bolarinwa, DG, National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) had in his remarks, advised the committee to come up with impeccable strategies that will help government in fast-tracking the process of the transition from analogue to digital broadcasting.
Broadcasting
Celebrating a Visionary Leader Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR at 65

By Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata (CFA)
Today, we celebrate a leader whose unwavering commitment to “Everything Technology, Technology Everywhere” is turning bold ideas into real impact for Ndi Anambra.
As someone privileged to lead the Anambra State ICT Agency, driving e-governance initiatives, and now the Geeks & Founders Alliance for Soludo (GEFAS), a coalition of tech professionals, founders, and enthusiasts advancing technology and championing the re-election of Governor Soludo, I see first-hand how Mr. Governor’s vision keeps challenging us to push boundaries: from digitizing government operations to expanding free Solution WiFi, deploying smart solutions, and driving public-private partnerships that create jobs and make Anambra truly work for the people.
Today, under his visionary leadership, the combination of solid physical infrastructure, livable cities, and a growing digital backbone is fast positioning Anambra as an attractive hub for talent, investment, and innovation- a destination and not a departure lounge
Leadership is not about lofty speeches but clear action, and Governor Soludo has shown us that bold decisions, like removing Right of Way charges to drive connectivity, can transform an entire ecosystem.
As we mark his birthday, we rededicate ourselves to this vision: a smarter, more connected, and prosperous Anambra that works for all.
Happy Birthday, Mr. Governor, Oluatuegwu!
Here’s to more impact, more solutions, and a future that keeps rising.
Broadcasting
Court Upholds AVRS Legal Rights to Licence Audiovisual Works in Hotels

Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has upheld the statutory right of the Audiovisual Rights Society of Nigeria (AVRS) to licence hotels and other business establishments for the public use of audiovisual works (movies and films) transmitted within their premises via Pay-TV subscriptions.
This is a landmark judgment that reaffirms the rights of Nigerian copyright holders and strengthens the creative ecosystem.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu, who gave the judgment, dismissed the case filed by Reiz Continental Hotel Limited against AVRS, where the hotel sought a declaration that it could not be compelled to pay copyright fees for audiovisual content (movies and films) accessed through subscription-based broadcasting.
In the ruling delivered on Thursday, July 24, the court held that AVRS, by virtue of its status as assignees of copyright in several audiovisual works, and approved collective management organisation (CMO) pursuant to Section 88 of the Copyright Act 2022, had demonstrated the legal basis of its licencing activities, and was entitled to issue copyright licences to users of audiovisual works belonging to it, including the Plaintiff (Reiz Continental Hotel Limited). Abuja Formula 1 Grand Prix ticketsNigerian cuisine recipes
The court rejected the claims of Reiz Continental Hotel that it was merely a recipient of broadcasts from a pay subscription television service, and therefore not liable to any licence from AVRS.
It held that the activities of Reiz Continental Hotel, operating a hospitality business, which is profit-driven, and possessing several television sets, which transmit audiovisual content, were carried out in contravention of sections 11(b), (c) and (f) of the Copyright Act in respect of the rights held by AVRS.
The court also held that the acts of transmission of audiovisual works by Reiz Continental Hotel, since done in the context of business, were in contravention of section 36(1)(a) and (g) of the Copyright Act, unless licensed by AVRS.
According to the court, the provision of section 36(1)(g) of the Copyright Act, 2022, renders a person liable for infringement of copyright for performing or causing to be performed for the purposes of trade or business or the promotion of a trade or business, any work in which copyright subsists.
The court further held that participation in a collective licencing agreement by the Hotel Owners Forum Abuja (HOFA), of which Reiz is a member, was binding on Reiz and stopped it from denying the validity of the agreement with AVRS.
Speaking on the judgment, Mike O. Akpan, legal counsel to AVRS and principal partner, Alpha-Edge Legal, said that the judgment is not only a legal victory for AVRS and its members, but also a significant affirmation of Nigeria’s commitment to upholding copyright law and protecting creative enterprise. Nigerian cuisine recipes
He added that it establishes a strong precedent for copyright enforcement across the hospitality sector and other commercial users of protected content.
Reacting to the landmark judgment, Mr. Mahmood Ali-Balogun, chairman of AVRS, said: “This judgment is a profound moment for members of AVRS. It affirms the legitimacy of our collective licencing structure and ensures that copyright owners in the film and movie sector are rightfully protected under the law.
“AVRS has always approached licencing with openness, fairness, and a readiness to dialogue. Today’s court decision is a win for our members, the film industry, for Nigerian creators, and for the nation. It strengthens the foundation upon which the creative economy can grow and attract investment.”
Broadcasting
NDPC Hides MultiChoice Privacy Violation Details Despite FOI Request- FIJ

Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has refused to release details of the data and privacy rights violation for which it fined MultiChoice Nigeria, despite receiving a Freedom of Information (FOI) request from FIJ.
FIJ otherwise Foundation for Investigative Journalism, is an independent, not-for-profit organisation that combats injustice, holds power to account and speaks for the voiceless.
In its announcement on July 6, the NDPC said it had fined MultiChoice Nigeria N766,242,500 for breaching the data and privacy rights of subscribers and even those who are not necessarily subscribers.
FIJ emailed the data protection commission an FOI request on July 9.
The commission acknowledged the receipt of the email that same day and added: “It has been forwarded to the relevant department and we would respond soon.”
Fifteen days later, FIJ got no other response from the NDPC.
In Nigeria, FOI requests have a seven-day timeframe, and it starts counting as soon as a public institution receives a request for public information.
FIJ understands that holidays, which include a Sunday and a public holiday, are to be excluded in the computation of the timeframe.
The receiving institution is mandated, within those seven days, to either provide the requested information or explain in detail why it is unable to do so based on the provisions of the FOI Act.
Established under the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023, the NDPC’s tasks include safeguarding data privacy, enforcing regulations and promoting responsible data handling in the country.
When the Commission announced the N766.2 million fine against MultiChoice Nigeria, it said the company had violated the privacy rights of subscribers and allowed the illegal cross-border transfer of personal data of Nigerians.
MultiChoice Nigeria operates through various subsidiaries, such as DStv and GOtv. The NDPC said it launched an investigation into the company in the second quarter of 2024.
“NDPC found, among others, that Multichoice violated the data privacy rights of subscribers and their friends who are not necessarily subscribers,” the statement issued by NDPC read in part.
“The Commission also found that Multichoice carries out illegal cross-border transfer of personal data relating to data subjects in Nigeria. The depth of data processing by Multichoice is patently intrusive, unfair, unnecessary and disproportionate.”
FIJ’s FOI request aimed to understand the extent of the data and privacy breaches committed by MultiChoice Nigeria, the remedial measures directed by the NDPC and the specific channels through which the company collected the personal data of Nigerians.
Two weeks after the request was submitted, the NDPC has refused to respond.
Section 7, sub-section 4, of the Freedom of Information Act (2011) states, “Where the government or public institution fails to give access to information or record applied for under this Act or part thereof within the time limit set out in this Act, the institution shall, for the purposes of this Act, be deemed to have refused to give access.”
According to the Act, where a case of wrongful denial of access is established, the defaulting officer or institution commits an offence and is liable on conviction to pay a N500,000 fine.
At the time of this report, there was no publicly documented case of the NDPC granting an FOI request to share more details after an investigation.
In 2023, FIJ detailed how the Nigerian government often violated the FOI Act. Journalists at top newspapers in the country noted that government agencies had a habit of disregarding FOI requests, despite being legally obligated to respond.
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