The Independent Broadcasting Association of Nigeria (IBAN) has advised the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to engage its members to develop a more friendly broadcasting code of operation.
The advice was given by the Chairman Board of Trustees, IBAN, John Momoh in his address at the association’s first Annual General Meeting in Lagos on Wednesday.
According to Momoh, the NBC code must be one that aligns with international regulatory standards and acknowledges the unique needs of Nigerian broadcasters.
“A code that is transparent, supportive, and forward-thinking will empower us to innovate, grow, and contribute to Nigeria’s media landscape,” Momoh said.
According to him, NBC’ current code imposes several restrictions that hinder IBAN’s ability to operate competitively and flexibly.
“We call upon the National Broadcasting Commission to engage with us and develop a more friendly broadcasting code—one that aligns with international regulatory standards and acknowledges the unique needs of Nigerian broadcasters. A code that is transparent, supportive, and forward-thinking will empower us to innovate, grow, and contribute to Nigeria’s media landscape,” he said.
Earlier, Momoh said the IBAN faces digital disruption.
“The rise of digital platforms has forever changed how audiences consume content. Today’s viewers have unprecedented choices at their fingertips, and traditional broadcasting models must adapt to keep pace with this shifting landscape. However, embracing digital transformation requires resources, and for many independent broadcasters, the financial and technical demands of this shift are formidable. We must work together to identify practical, accessible digital strategies that can enhance our reach while ensuring we retain our unique identity as independent voices in Nigerian media.”
Alongside digital disruption, the IBAN BoT Chairman also listed dwindling advertising revenues as one of its major challenges.
“The global economy, coupled with evolving consumer behaviours, has reduced the share of advertising spend that flows to traditional broadcast media. For many of us, advertising is our lifeline. Yet, as companies increasingly shift their budgets to digital and social platforms, our revenue sources have become less reliable. This decline threatens our sustainability, and we must advocate for advertising models that recognize the value of our platforms and content in reaching Nigerian audiences.”
Another pressing concern, Momoh noted is the regulatory environment.
“Our industry has long struggled with policies that, at times, feel more restrictive than supportive. The regulatory challenges we face can stifle creativity, hinder growth, and burden broadcasters with compliance requirements that often feel disconnected from the realities of our work. It is vital that we engage in open dialogue with regulators, emphasizing the need for policies that promote growth, support local content, and offer broadcasters the flexibility to innovate and thrive,” he said.
He added that the ongoing inconsistencies in the nation’s Digital Switch Over (DSO) process, have created uncertainty and confusion across the industry.
According to him, although the DSO promises many benefits, the lack of clear timelines and uniform implementation has left many broadcasters in limbo.
“This uncertainty not only impacts our ability to plan and invest but also affects our audiences, who deserve a seamless transition to digital broadcasting. We must advocate for a transparent, collaborative approach to the DSO that takes into account the needs and readiness of broadcasters at every level,” he said.
