Hate speech: NBC will be mandated to amend its broadcast Code to reflect the upward review of fines from N500,000 to N5m- FG

The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, says the Federal Government will mandate the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to come up with new regulations for internet and mainstream broadcast organisations.

Mr Lai Mohammed disclosed this in Abuja on Tuesday after he received reports from the committee inaugurated last month to study and make recommendations on the government’s proposals to reform the NBC.

He noted that the report from the Committee will revolutionise the NBC adding that there is the urgent need to come up with regulations that will address existing challenges.

The minister further said the Commission will be mandated to amend it’s broadcast Code, through new regulations to reflect the upward review of fines from N500,000 to N5 million for breaches relating to hate speeches, inciting comments and indecency as approved by Buhari.

He said the code will also be amended to reflect the upgrade of breach of political comments relating to hate speeches and divisive comments to ”Class A” offence in the Code and to ensure that wilful repeat of infractions on three occasions after levying fine on a station attracts suspension of license.

To address monopoly in the broadcast industry, Mohammed said the NBC will immediately come out with fresh regulations that will promote the local broadcast industry and protect the Nigerian broadcast industry from monopolistic tendencies.

“These regulations are also in the area of advertising tariffs and production of advertisements in Nigeria. The regulations will also ensure that all anti competitive behaviors are deterred and sanctioned where they occur”, he added.

He however assured that the government will be taking action to ensure that the approval of broadcast licences aligns with the government’s efforts on the Ease of Doing Business.

The minister had on Monday stated that the recent move by the Federal Government to regulate the social media space from fake news and hate speech is not aimed at gagging the media.