The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has appealed to the National Assembly to help in strengthening the NBC Act to give the Commission the impetus to achieve results and measure up the digital standard expected of a regulator of broadcasting in the digital era.
Chairman, NBC Board, Alhaji Aliyu Bilbis and Director-General, Alhaji Modibbo Kawu disclosed this in their remarks at a two-day management retreat organized for National Assembly committee on Information, National Orientation Ethics and Value.
Biblis who was represented by Alhaji Danladi Bako said: “The digital switchover from analogue to digital terrestrial television platforms being a critical part of these projects. This has been stalled due to dearth of funds.”
“We seek your support in the release of Funds for this project that is a global phenomenon, to be completed.”
He maintained that the Commission can achieve the goal of enthronement and sustenance of a laudable broadcasting Industry when they are adequately supported by all stakeholders. The National Assembly, being the most important.
NBC Director General, Is’Haq Modibbo Kawu in his address said” One of the major agendas of our industry today, is the transition from analogue to digital broadcasting. It is a major international commitment, that our country is undertaking, in consonance with the directives of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU). As you might be aware, we have carried out the Digital Switchover (DSO), in six locations around the country. We want to accelerate the process of completion of the project around the country, but we face the challenge of financing.”
Modibbo who disclosed that Nigeria had a total of 726 radio and television stations with 445 radio stations and 281 television stations added that new stations come on literally, every month. and as we speak, we are processing a long list of new commercial radio stations; DTT television outfits; community radio stations; campus broadcasters as well as public institutions’ radio stations.
The Committee Chairman, Hon Segun Dokun Odebunmi in his remark commended the Director-General and entire management of the NBC for organizing the retreat which he said was meant to brief members of this committee on the mandate of the agency as well as Conception, Implementation, Benefits and Challenges of the Digital Switch Over (DSO) in Nigeria, including other past and present endeavours of the National Broadcasting Commission with a view to put all hands on deck for the progress of broadcasting industry in Nigeria.
“It is in my belief that at the end of this program, we will all be on the same page as to the connection between the National Broadcasting Commission and Nigerians.
The retreat which ends tomorrow is attended by members of the committee, top management members of the NBC and other stakeholders.
