Broadcasting
NBC Slams 45 Stations with Fines for Violating Broadcast Code
National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has sanctioned 45 broadcasting stations which allegedly breached its code in the 2nd quarter of 2019, according to Mallam Ishaq Kawu, director-general of the agency.
Kawu, who made this known while addressing a news conference in Abuja, said the contraventions included breaches of the rules on hate speech, abusive and inflammatory broadcast.
He stressed that the Commisson’s Second Quarter Monitoring of Broadcast Stations Profile was from April to June, 2019.
“Coming shortly after the National and State Elections in the First Quarter of the year, the report indicates that though there is a drop in breaches related to hateful, abusive and inflammatory broadcast, which peaked during the elections“
Thus as many as 45 stations were fined, the 2nd Quarter indicates that the trend has continued among certain stations, especially in political programmes.
“Therefore 20 stations were fined in the 2nd Quarter, for breaching provisions of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code on Hate speech.
“Other breaches were in the area of Obscene and Vulgar Lyrics- a total of 10 stations were fined for infractions related to use of Vulgar Lyrics and Obscene Content.
“It is worth mentioning that the Program Big Brother NAIJA was cautioned against unwholesome content on its broadcast,” Kawu said.
According to the NBC boss the use of unsubstantiated and misleading claims by advertisers especially Trado medic advertising, also dropped significantly from the last quarter, but that a total of 30 stations were fined for infractions related to same.
He added that ten broadcast stations were fined for breaches related to station announcers turning themselves to advertisers, hypers and promoters of product.
“Obscenity: Kaduna Zone recorded highest with 36.53 per cent followed by Abuja Zone with 17.31 per cent and Uyo Zone came third with 15.38 per cent.”
Hate Speech: Abuja Zone topped the chart with 19.21 per cent followed by Kaduna zone with 18.22 per cent and Maiduguri Zone came third with a record of 15.27 per cent while the least in hate speech was Ibadan zone with 6.89 per cent
“Unprofessionalism: Three zones topped the chart with the same percentages. Kaduna zone, Sokoto zone and Uyo topped the chart with 20.00 per cent each followed by Jos zone with 3.85 per cent while Ibadan and Benin recorded lowest with 2.95 per cent and 3.44 per cent respectively.
“Unverifiable Claims: Ibadan zone recorded highest with 25.33 per cent followed by Abuja zone with 13.33 per cent while Jos zone and Kaduna zones came 3rd with 12.00 per cent each and Sokoto zone and Uyo recorded the lowest with 2.67 per cent each.
“Advertisement: Abuja zone recorded highest with 24.43 per cent followed by Enugu zone with 16.40 per cent while Maiduguri zone recorded lowest with 1.53 per cent“
For Technical Breach, Maiduguri zone recorded highest with 31.81 per cent followed by Benin zone and Sokoto zone recorded same scores 22.73 per cent each while Abuja zone, Enugu zone and Jos zone recorded the lowest with 4.54 per cent each.
“Abuja zone recorded highest with 47.17 per cent, Ibadan zone came second with 15.09 per cent and Benin came 3rd with 13.22 per cent while the lowest was Enugu Zone with 1.89 per cent,” Kawu said.
He cautioned stations across the country about a pattern of behaviours, which are a threat to the country’s democracy and rule of law.
He maintained that the Commission’s monitoring activities indicated that “some stations, especially African Independent Television are deliberately meddling in the cases before the election tribunal.
“it is trite knowledge that the media cannot comment on or discuss the details of any matter in court.
“The Broadcast Code in section 1.16.1(f) requires all broadcasters to comply with the law of contempt relating to matters pending before the law courts,” Kawu said.
Mr. Tim Akano, New Horizons Chief Executive Officer, took centre stage at the Nigerian Information Technology Reporters’ Association (NITRA) annual end-of-year meeting on Thursday, December 18, 2025, recounting the company’s remarkable growth and reaffirming free IT training for journalists.
Tim Akano, New Horizons Chief Executive Officer, in a group photograph with NITRA Members
Speaking directly to IT media members at the company’s training facility in Lagos, Akano acknowledged the critical role journalists played in supporting New Horizons during its formative years two decades ago.
He detailed how the firm evolved from a handful of staff to one of Africa’s leading ICT skills training organisations, now employing about 500 staff across multiple training centres nationwide.
Akano Spotlights Youth Training, University Partnerships
Akano highlighted that New Horizons has trained over 500,000 youths, particularly tertiary institution students, equipping them with practical IT skills essential for Nigeria’s digital economy.
He announced recent partnerships with universities, including a new agreement with Afe Babalola University, to scale hands-on training programmes for students.
“This growth would not have been possible without the media’s support in documenting our journey,” Akano stated, pledging continued free IT skills training for media members to remain competitive in the evolving digital landscape.
Reciprocal Support Defines Long-Standing Partnership
The venue hosting the NITRA meeting underscored Akano’s generosity; NITRA Secretary Chidiebere Nwankwo secured the free facility after contacting him—a gesture consistent with New Horizons hosting multiple association events and training IT journalists since its inception 20 years ago.
Participants shared personal testimonies of Akano’s support, including veteran journalist Aaron Ukodie, whose daughter—an Accounting graduate from the University of Johannesburg—received NYSC placement and IT scholarship at New Horizons.
The Guardian’s Yemi Adeyemi recounted Akano accommodating his editor’s child for mandatory IT training after other firms declined.
Members praised Akano’s commitment to human capital development as evidence of deep appreciation for the media community that chronicled New Horizons’ success over two decades.
National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has launched the NIMC Pre-Enrolment Portal to revolutionise the National Identification Number (NIN) enrolment process, enabling applicants within Nigeria and in the Diaspora to capture biodata online prior to biometric verification at enrolment centres.
NIMC
Accessible via penrol.nimc.gov.ng, the platform allows users to fill enrolment forms, schedule appointments, upload supporting documents securely, and manage personal details directly, thereby slashing congestion, minimising wait times, boosting data accuracy and enhancing overall service efficiency at centres nationwide.
NIMC Director-General and CEO, Engr. (Dr) Abisoye Coker-Odusote, spearheaded the initiative as part of the Commission’s technology-driven strategy to fortify institutional performance, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda that emphasises digital transformation, efficient public service delivery and inclusive national development.
Dr Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications, highlighted key benefits including simplified biodata handling, confidential data protection through robust security measures, reduced physical centre visits and heightened operational effectiveness, urging all prospective enrollees to adopt the portal for a faster, citizen-friendly experience.[conversation_history]
The move underscores NIMC’s mandate under the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007 to manage the National Identity Database, issue NINs and foster a reliable digital identity ecosystem vital for national planning, with users advised to complete pre-enrolment online before heading to selected centres for biometrics.
MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF), a Pan-African film and television training institution, has announced the opening of applications for its 2026 intake.
MultiChoice
The fully funded programme is open to African graduates aspiring to become directors, filmmakers, scriptwriters, producers and storytellers.
According to MultiChoice, the nine-month accredited curriculum combines online learning with intensive in-person training, and is designed to balance theoretical knowledge with practical immersion.
MTF academies are located in Kenya, Nigeria and Zambia, and serve aspiring filmmakers from 14 African countries. Since its inception in 2018, the initiative has trained 296 filmmakers, with graduates producing more than 42 movies aired on DStv, GOtv and Showmax platforms.
Organisers said alumni of the programme have gone on to establish over 50 production companies, while many continue to work within the MultiChoice ecosystem.
Graduates have also won accolades at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, Kalasha Awards, Uganda Film Festival and Women in Film Awards.
Applications for the 2026 intake close on Feb. 27, 2026. Interested candidates can visit https://apo-opa.co/3XW53oE for programme requirements.
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