Chief Bola Tinubu has introduced a bill aimed at regulating digital platforms.
The proposed legislation, which has been presented to the National Assembly, aims to replace and update the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) Act, CAP L11, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.
During a meeting at the commission’s headquarters with the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, Balarabe Ilelah, the Director-General of the NBC, characterized social media as a “growing concern” and stressed the necessity of this bill.
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He clarified that the current law doesn’t grant the NBC the authority to oversee and regulate social media platforms.
Ilelah announced to the public that “a bill for an act to repeal and amend the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) Act has been introduced for the first time in the National Assembly.”
Highlighting the urgency of addressing social media issues, Ilelah explained, “One of our primary challenges today is social media. Without a legal framework allowing the NBC to address these issues, they will continue to impact our daily lives in the country,” as reported by local media.
Ilelah revealed that in 2023, the NBC issued 1,238 warnings, and six different stations faced penalties for violations of existing regulations.