INEC Chairman Emphasizes Airwaves Management for Electoral Credibility
Professor Joash Amupitan, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has underscored that effective management of the airwaves remains a vital component for maintaining electoral integrity in Nigeria. He made this observation during the 81st General Assembly of the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON), held recently in Abuja. As political parties commence primaries in accordance with the Electoral Act 2026, Amupitan stressed that the fairness of the communicative environment is essential for credible elections.
Holistic Approach Required for Airwaves Management
Speaking on the topic, 'The management of the airwaves: An assessment of the 2026 Nigerian Electoral Act on broadcast media coverage of the elections,' Amupitan advocated for a comprehensive strategy. He noted that this approach must integrate legal clarity, institutional strength, and industry responsibility to ensure fairness and inclusiveness in electoral communication. Legal reforms should provide clear standards and robust enforcement mechanisms, while institutional reforms must guarantee independence to support the consolidation of Nigeria's democracy.
Amupitan emphasized that broadcast houses must perform their duties fairly, within legal boundaries, and in the national interest. With 23 registered political parties in the ecosystem, he reminded broadcasters that their equal time obligations should be guided by official leadership records held by INEC. He stated, "The credibility of elections in Nigeria depends not only on the conduct of voting but also on the fairness of the communicative environment within which political competition occurs." He urged industry actors to uphold professional ethics and transparency to achieve these objectives.
NBC Director-General Reaffirms Commitment to Broadcasting Standards
Charles Ebuebu, Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), reaffirmed the commission's dedication to ensuring that broadcasting operates within legal frameworks while promoting national unity and democratic ideals. He called on broadcasters to remain objective, avoid sensationalism, and provide accurate information to enable citizens to make informed electoral choices.
Ebuebu also reviewed the progress of the Digital Switch Over (DSO) project, highlighting challenges such as restricted digital coverage, lack of audience measurement systems, and fragmented rollout processes, despite over N60 billion invested over 17 years. He introduced the new Free TV platform, a national free-to-air Direct-to-Home system with 100 percent coverage, offering over 100 channels accessible without subscription on television and digital devices.
New Initiatives to Boost Broadcasting Industry
Key initiatives announced include a verifiable audience measurement system for real-time data to enhance content development and revenue generation. An 18-month free carriage window has been approved to encourage industry participation, allowing broadcasters to onboard at no cost before a regulated rate-card system begins. The framework prioritizes local content development with a minimum benchmark of 60 percent Nigerian content and establishes regional production hubs to stimulate growth in the creative industry and generate employment.
With a clear implementation timeline, including the launch of FreeTV in May 2026 and full analogue switch-off by December 31, 2028, Ebuebu emphasized the importance of stakeholder collaboration for successful policy implementation. He congratulated the new BON Chairman, Tony Akiotu, and expressed eagerness to collaborate with the newly elected executive team to enhance industry standards and secure Nigeria's place in the international broadcast market.
New BON Chairman Outlines Vision for Broadcasting Future
In his acceptance speech, Tony Akiotu emphasized that his leadership is about the collective future of broadcasting in Nigeria. He assured that BON will remain open, inclusive, and responsive, with every member having a voice. Akiotu outlined key objectives for his administration, including strengthening sustainability, supporting digital transition, enhancing skills, encouraging collaboration, and positioning BON as a thought leader. He called for collaborative efforts, stating, "I will count on your support, your ideas, and your partnership as we take these steps together."
Dignitaries in attendance included Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris Malagi, Director General of the Nigerian Television Authority Salihu Abdulhamid Dembos, Executive Secretary of BON Yemisi Bamgbose, Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria Jibrin Baba Ndace, and Director General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria Olalekan Fadolapo, among others.
