BON seeks Government intervention as rising energy costs threaten Broadcast industry

By Umar Muhammad Shira:

The Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria BON has called on the Federal and State Governments to urgently intervene in the rising operational costs threatening the survival of radio and television stations across the country.

The organisation said many broadcast stations had shut down operations, while others had drastically reduced their transmission hours due to the high cost of diesel, excessive electricity tariffs and unreliable public power supply.

BON made the call in a communique signed and issued by the Executive Secretary, Dr Yemisi Bamgbose at the end of its 82nd General Assembly held at Hogis Royale Hotel, Calabar, Cross River State, from 7th to 8th October, 2026.

The Assembly urged governments to support private broadcast stations through energy subsidies, particularly investments in solar power and other alternative energy sources, to ensure uninterrupted information dissemination and public enlightenment across the country.

It also expressed concern over multiple taxes and levies imposed on broadcast stations by local government authorities despite their payment of statutory licence fees to the National Broadcasting Commission NBC.

The organisation called on the National Revenue Service to review and harmonise the new tax regime in line with the recently enacted Tax Act.

On the forthcoming general elections, BON urged chief executives of broadcast stations to ensure accuracy and credibility in reporting election campaigns and related activities.

It also encouraged media organisations to organise state-level debates to enable candidates to present their programmes and engage directly with the electorate.

The Assembly further pledged to collaborate with the Nigeria Elections Debate Group and other stakeholders to organise professionally conducted debates at both federal and state levels.

On digital broadcasting, BON called on the NBC to convene a stakeholders’ meeting to review developments in the industry and advance the digital switchover process following the recent migration of some television stations to Direct-To-Home transmission through NigComSat.

The organisation also urged the Federal Government to conduct a thorough investigation into the recent fatal military aircraft crash involving Nigerian Air Force officers to determine its cause and prevent future occurrences.

It commended the military and paramilitary services for their efforts to combat insecurity across the country.

Broadcasting Organization of Nigeria commended the Cross River State Governor, Bassey Edet Otu, for executing development projects across the state and pursuing the revitalisation of Tinapa and Obudu Cattle Ranch as international tourist destinations.

The Assembly also appreciated the state government and people for hosting the conference.