…laments high diesel, electricity costs forcing Nigerian stations to shut down
. Partners NEDG to organise presidential, state debates for 2027 elections
Calabar, Nigeria – The Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) has made a passionate appeal to the Federal and State governments to intervene urgently to save the nation’s broadcast industry from total collapse due to severe economic realities.
The call was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of BON’s 82nd General Assembly, held from October 7 to 8, 2026, at the Hogis Royale Hotel in Calabar, Cross River State. It was signed by the BON Executive Secretary, Dr. Yemisi Bamgbose.
*Economic Hardship Suffocating Stations*
During the two-day event, delegates critically analysed how the harsh macroeconomic environment is impacting television and radio stations across the country.
BON noted with grave concern that several stations have already shut down entirely, while many others have been forced to drastically scale back their transmission hours.
The body blamed these closures on astronomical operational costs, driven primarily by the high price of diesel and unbearable, epileptic public power supply and tariffs.
To avert an absolute shutdown of the sector, BON urged governments at all levels to provide noticeable relief, specifically demanding energy subsidies to help private stations transition to solar energy and other alternative power solutions.
Furthermore, the Assembly condemned the multiple taxes and levies slammed on broadcast stations by local government authorities, pointing out that operators already pay statutory licence fees to the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).
BON, therefore, called on the National Revenue Service to step in and harmonise these conflicting tax regimes under the newly enacted Tax Act.
*Digital Switchover and Election Preparedness*
Addressing technological advancements, the General Assembly reflected on the NBC’s recent Digital Switchover (DSO) exercise, which migrated several television stations to Direct-To-Home (DTH) transmission via NigComSat.
The body urged the NBC to immediately convene a previously agreed-upon stakeholders’ meeting to evaluate recent developments and chart a transparent path forward for digital migration.
With political campaigns gathering momentum ahead of the forthcoming general elections, BON challenged Chief Executive Officers of broadcast stations to uphold strict credibility and accuracy in their coverage.
The body encouraged stations to host state-level debates to connect political aspirants with the electorate.
Additionally, BON resolved to partner with the Nigeria Elections Debate Group (NEDG) to deliver professionally driven debates at both federal and state levels.
*Security Concerns and Commendations*
On national security, the Assembly expressed deep grief over the recent fatal Nigerian AirForce plane crash that claimed the lives of several military officers.
While commiserating with the families and the military leadership, BON demanded a painstaking investigation into the tragedy to forestall future occurrences.
Conversely, the organisation saluted the military and paramilitary forces for their ongoing sacrifices and recorded successes in fighting insecurity across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
The event concluded with high praise for the host governor, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu of Cross River State.
The Assembly commended his administration’s landmark projects and applauded his strategic decision to revamp Tinapa and the Obudu Cattle Ranch into prime international tourist destinations.
BON expressed profound gratitude to Governor Otu, his Executive Council, Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Peter Odey and the people of Cross River State for their warm hospitality.
