Review Of The Nigeria Broadcasting Code – The 2020 Amendment

Introduction

The National Broadcasting Commission ("NBC"), the apex regulator of broadcasting in Nigeria, is authorized by its enabling Act (the National Broadcast Commission Act 1992) to create a code setting the standards of the contents and quality of materials for broadcast in Nigeria. In 2016, the NBC issued the sixth edition of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code (the "Code"). Subsequently, on June 11, 2020, the NBC released the amendment to the Code (the "Amendment"). As a result of some of the changes perceived as unfavourable by stakeholders, the Amendment has remained subject of controversy.

Anti-Competition and Sub-licensing

Under the Amendment, broadcasters and licensees are prohibited from entering into agreements with the intent of preventing or restricting competition. Furthermore, broadcasters and licensees are not permitted to acquire broadcasting rights in Nigeria or anywhere in the world, which may prevent broadcasters, licensees and persons in