News
Election: NBC Sanctions 25 Broadcast Stations, Gives 16 Final Warning
Published
2 years agoon
By
Editor
The National Broadcasting Commission has sanctioned no fewer than 25 broadcast stations for failing to adhere to extant broadcast law on coverage of the 2023 general elections.
The commission has also issued final warning to 16 other broadcast stations for various offences.
The Director-General of NBC, Balarabe Ilelah, stated this during a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, ahead of the March 18 governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections.
According to him, while 25 stations were sanctioned by the NBC in the course of monitoring the 2023 presidential election, 16 stations have been given a final warning.
READ ALSO: Code Violation: NBC Threatens To Shut Down Broadcast Stations
Also, one station was sanctioned for broadcasting the results of the election before the Independent National Electoral Commission announced the results which contravene Section 5.33 of the NBC code.
He also said 17 stations were sanctioned for broadcasting partisan party content after the prescribed 24-hour stoppage time by NBC, while four stations have been sanctioned for divisive comments.
Ilelah said, “In the course of our monitoring, the commission observed, with dismay, that some broadcast stations allowed their platforms to be used by some guests, callers, and analysts to score unhealthy political points inimical to our corporate existence.
“Ethnic and religious profiling became awfully rampant. Invectives and counterblasts were thrown freely by guests on the platform of broadcast stations at the detriment of the Nigerian people.
READ ALSO: Full List: NBC Shuts 52 Broadcast Stations
“Subversive discussions and reckless comments, capable of tearing us apart as a people were broadcast freely without proper gatekeeping. Ethics and professionalism were thrown overboard.
“The commission wishes to remind you that we have one country. And if we pave way for anarchy, we will all be affected. We are only in business because we have peace. Our diversity should be our strength, our assets, our power. We must guard this jealously. History shows that all civil wars ever fought by people of the same race, started in the media.
“When those who should dish out information become biased and pitch camp with different groups, division is heightened.”
He disclosed that broadcast stations have a duty to protect the nation’s unity and punctuate diversity as a distinctive mark of pride and promote sustainable democracy in Nigeria.
“We expect broadcast stations to exercise freedom of expression as agents of society, not for any personal or promote sectional rights, privileges and further their own or that of their proprietors, relatives, or supporters as highlighted in Section 3.1.3 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.
READ ALSO: NBC Code To Protect Nigerians From Harm – Ex-acting DG
“For the avoidance of doubt, the National Broadcasting Commission, which was established by NBC Act CAP N11, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, to, amongst other responsibilities, license, monitor, regulate broadcasting in Nigeria and will not operate outside the precincts of this Act. The commission will continue to carry out its mandate without fear or favour,” he added.
According to the summary of the report, 17 stations received sanctions for broadcast of partisan content while a broadcast station was sanctioned for announcing results before authorised Returning Officers made them public, Ilelah stated.
“Three broadcast stations were sanctioned for inciting comments. Another four were sanctioned for divisive ethnic/religious content. 16 broadcast stations were given final warnings for various infringements,” he disclosed.
Ilelah warned that ahead of Saturday’s governorship and State Assembly polls, all broadcast stations must adhere to the provision of the law on broadcasting.
PUNCH
You may like
Wole Soyinka Slams NBC For Banning Eedris Abdulkareem’s Protest Song
Content Creator, Skit Makers Get Boost In Edo, As FG Sets Up Digital Hub In Benin
Relief As Court Stops NBC From Imposing Fines On Broadcast Stations
NBC Asks Court To Set Aside Judgment Restraining It From Imposing Fines On Broadcast Stations
Security Votes: Governors Meet With EFCC, ICPC, FIRS, CBN On Tuesday
Obi-Datti: Tinubu Petitions NBC, Wants Channels TV Sanctioned
News
W’Cup Qualifiers: Super Eagles Edge Rwanda 1-0 To Revive Qualification Hopes
Published
8 hours agoon
September 6, 2025By
Editor
In a high-stakes 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Nigeria secured a vital 1–0 victory over Rwanda, breathing new life into their qualification hopes.
The only goal of the match came in the 51st minute when Tolu Arokodare capitalized on a loose ball in the penalty area, slotting it past Rwanda’s goalkeeper to give Nigeria a crucial lead.
The first half ended goalless, with both teams cautious in their approach. Nigeria’s defense, marshalled by Calvin Bassey, held firm despite Rwanda’s tactical shifts in the second half.
READ ALSO:
Nigeria suffered a blow as star striker Victor Osimhen limped off in the first half, replaced by Cyril Dessers. Despite the setback, the Super Eagles maintained pressure to secure the vital win.
The victory moves Nigeria to 10 points from 7 matches in Group C, while Rwanda remains on 8 points, making the race for World Cup qualification even tighter.
Fans reacted passionately on social media platforms, with many praising the team’s resilience and expressing concern over Osimhen’s injury.
Looking ahead, Nigeria will aim to build on this momentum in their upcoming fixtures to secure a spot at the 2026 World Cup.
News
NCDC Alerts Nigeria As DR Congo Declares Ebola Outbreak
Published
8 hours agoon
September 6, 2025By
Editor
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has issued a public health advisory following the confirmation of a new Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
As of September 4, 2025, the DRC has reported 28 suspected cases and 15 deaths, including four health workers, in the Kasai Province.
The Director-General of NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris, said the agency will continue to monitor the regional and global situations as there are no cases of Ebola virus disease in Nigeria, as of now.
However, the NCDC is taking proactive measures to prevent the spread of the disease, and it is working closely with relevant Ministries, Departments, Agencies, and Partners to strengthen preparedness and response measures in Nigeria.
READ ALSO:Ebola In Uganda: NCDC Ups Preparedness, Cautions Nigerians On Travel
Idris urged Nigerians to practice good hand hygiene by washing their hands regularly with soap under running water or using hand sanitisers. He also advised Nigerians to avoid physical contact with anyone showing symptoms of infection or an unknown diagnosis.
Additionally, individuals should handle animals with gloves and protective clothing, and cook animal products thoroughly to reduce the risk of wildlife-to-human transmission.
Furthermore, people should avoid direct contact with the blood, saliva, vomit, urine, and other bodily fluids of suspected or confirmed EVD cases.
The NCDC advises Nigerian citizens and residents to avoid all but essential travel to countries with confirmed Ebola cases. Those with recent travel history to affected areas who experience symptoms should promptly call the NCDC hotline (6232) or their State Ministry of Health hotline for assessment and testing.
READ ALSO:NCDC Confirms 80 Deaths From 413 Lassa Fever Cases In 11 States
They should also shelter-in-place to avoid further spread through shared transport systems and await dedicated responders for assessment and possible transport to a treatment centre.
The NCDC is strengthening surveillance across the country, including borders and airports, and enhancing laboratory capacities for quick testing of suspected cases.
Idris assured that the agency will continue to provide periodic updates on the situation as the Ebola outbreak in the DRC is caused by the Zaire strain, with a mortality rate estimated at 57%.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has deployed experts to support response efforts, and the DRC has activated its Public Health Emergency Operations Centre.

Confusion has erupted online over a supposed 5% fuel surcharge under Nigeria’s new tax laws, with many fearing a sudden increase in fuel prices.
The chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, on Saturday through a post on X, clarified what is fact and what is fiction.
The controversy arises from the recent passage of the Nigeria Tax Act, 2025, which consolidates and harmonises previous tax laws.
Some social media posts suggested that President Bola Tinubu’s administration had introduced a new surcharge on fuel, sparking public concern.
Oyedele clarified: “The charge is not a new tax introduced by the current administration. The provision already exists under the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (Amendment) Act, 2007. Its restatement in the new Tax Act is for harmonisation and transparency rather than immediate implementation.”
According to Oyedele, the surcharge is meant to fund road infrastructure, an area that has historically suffered from underfunding.
Over the years, Nigeria’s road network has faced chronic maintenance challenges, resulting in potholes, travel delays, and higher vehicle operating costs.
Oyedele further noted that the surcharge is intended to create a dedicated, predictable funding source for road construction and maintenance.
READ ALSO:Nigerian Lawmakers Approve Tinubu Tax Reform Bills
Oyedele addressed key questions raised by citizens:
Will the surcharge start automatically in January 2026?
No. It will only take effect when the Minister of Finance issues an order published in the Official Gazette:
“The surcharge does not take effect automatically with the new tax laws. It will only commence when the Minister of Finance issues an order published in the Official Gazette as stated under Chapter 7 of the Nigeria Tax Act, 2025. This safeguard ensures careful consideration of timing and economic conditions before implementation,” Oyedele stated.
Does it apply to all fuels?
No. Household energy products such as kerosene, LPG, and CNG are exempt. Clean and renewable energy products are also excluded to support Nigeria’s energy transition agenda.
Why maintain the surcharge amid economic hardship?
Oyedele explained that the fund is meant as a dedicated mechanism for road maintenance:
READ ALSO:FG Sues Binance For $81.5bn In Economic Losses, Back Taxes
He said, “The surcharge is designed as a dedicated fund for road infrastructure and maintenance. If implemented effectively, it will provide safer travel conditions, reduce travel time and cost, lower logistics costs and vehicle maintenance expenses, which will benefit the wider economy. This practice is virtually universal with over 150 countries imposing various charges ranging between 20% to 80% of fuel products to guarantee regular investment in road infrastructure.”
Could subsidy savings cover road funding instead?
The Chairman of theCommittee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms said: “While subsidy savings will provide some funding, they are insufficient to meet Nigeria’s huge and recurring road infrastructure needs among other public finance needs. A dedicated fund ensures reliable and predictable financing for roads, complementing the budget and ensuring roads are not left underfunded.”
Does this contradict the tax reform objective of easing citizens’ burden?
READ ALSO:Tax Reform Bills Offer 55% To States In New Sharing Formula
Oyedele reassured: “The reforms have already reduced multiple taxes and removed or suspended several charges that directly affect households and small businesses, such as VAT on fuel, excise tax on telecoms, and the cybersecurity levy. By harmonising earmarked taxes, government is reducing duplication and ensuring a more efficient tax system.”
Why not remove the surcharge entirely?
He clarified: “Yes, the surcharge has been removed from the FERMA Act and incorporated into the new tax laws which are designed to provide a forward-looking legal framework for Nigeria. Keeping this provision in place within a harmonised legal framework ensures Nigeria is prepared to address critical challenges, such as sustainable road financing and even climate change impacts. It is not about immediate implementation, but to ensure the law provides a clear and effective framework for when it becomes necessary in the future.”
In summary, Oyedele stressed that the surcharge is not new, not immediate, and selectively applied. Its inclusion in the law is about transparency, preparedness, and sustainable funding for Nigeria’s roads, and it aims to address long-standing gaps in infrastructure financing.
(PUNCH)
- Rhodes-Vivour Dumps Labour Party, Joins ADC
- Police Foil Robbery Attacks On Anambra Roads, Recover Vehicles
- Gunmen Kill NSCDC Personnel In Edo, Abduct Expatriate
- New Edo Line Passengers Abducted
- W’Cup Qualifiers: Super Eagles Edge Rwanda 1-0 To Revive Qualification Hopes
- NCDC Alerts Nigeria As DR Congo Declares Ebola Outbreak
- NNPP Expels Reps Member, Drags Him To Court
- Why We Are Yet To Recognise ADC Leadership – INEC
- 5% Fuel Surcharge: What Nigerians Should Know
- Six Dead, Others Trapped As Gold Collapse
Trending
- Politics4 days ago
Court Ruling Clears Jonathan For 2027 Presidential Bid Amid Pressure From Parties
- News3 days ago
New Curriculum: Full List Of JSS, SS Subjects
- News5 days ago
OPINION: Crowns Of Crime And Shame
- Metro3 days ago
JUST IN: Ex-soldiers Resume Protest Over Unpaid Benefits
- News3 days ago
20-year-old TikToker Peller Buys N350m Lekki Mansion, Promises To Reveal Secret Benefactors
- Entertainment3 days ago
Veteran Actress, Peju Ogunmola, Loses Only Child
- Metro4 days ago
Lagos Enforces Ban, Seizes Single-use Plastics From Supermarkets
- Sports3 days ago
[FULL LIST] World Cup: Nigeria, Others Face Elimination
- News4 days ago
JUST IN: Ex-Ondo SDP Governorship Candidate Dies
- Sports4 days ago
13 Super Eagles Players Arrive Camp For World Cup Qualifiers