By Akinola Ajibade
The recently restored licences of the fifty two radio and television stations would be revoke again, if they fail to pay their debts on or before Tuesday, August 23rd, the National Broadcasting Commission ( NBC) has said.
The debts were licensing fees, which according to NBC have accumulated over a period of years.
The Commission ordered them to pay their debts latest 6.00pm Tuesday next week, following the decision by the Director-General, Mallam Balarabe Shehu Ilela to grant them extension on compassion ground.
IPI Nigeria President, Musikilu Mojeed said:
" We are glad to report that the Director-General, NBC, Mallam Balarabe Shehu Ilela has graciously agreed to grant an extension on compassionate ground".
Adding that: " Even though this is a temporary relief, we are hoping that all parties will engage in the next few days, with a view to arriving at a lasting solution on the matter. We thank the Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed and Mallam Ikela for listening to us and allowing us a window for dialogue.
Stating the reason for the revocation of their licences, the Commission said that its relies on Section 10 (a) of the 3rd Schedule of the National Broadcasting Commission Act CAP N11, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, to order the stations off air beginning this Saturday.
Section 10, according to the Commission, says license may be revoked in the following cases, that is (a) where the prescribed fee has not been paid on the due date.
Recall that after the revocation of the licensed of the 52 broadcasting stations during the week, IPI engaged the Ministry of Information and Culture, NBC and the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria ( BON) on how to amicable resolution of the dispute.
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