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Hate Speech: Fine now N5m as Nigeria launches revised broadcasting code

Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Honourable Minister for Information and Culture

*Government orders probe of conduct of broadcast stations before, during and after 2019 polls

Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect

In a move aimed at repositioning the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to better perform its regulatory role, the Federal Government has launched the revised 6th Broadcasting Code in the country.

Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Honourable Minister for Information and Culture, stated this while briefing reporters at the unveiling of the Broadcasting Code Tuesday, August 4 in Lagos.

Mohammed, who unveiled the document stated that the government has raised the fine for hate speech from N500,000 to N5 million.

The Minister stressed that the code was reviewed in line with the directive of President Muhammadu Buhari for an inquiry into the regulatory role of the NBC in the wake of the last general elections.

According to him, President Buhari has also ordered the probe of the conduct of the various broadcast stations before, during and after the polls.

Notable among the recommendations is the need to amend the provisions in the Broadcasting Code and Act.

He, nevertheless, frown on the reactions to the last amendment where firms that thought their business interest was superior to that of the nation.

The government’s intention is the good of the country, as there is the need to catalyse the growth of the local industry and create jobs for the creative Nigerian youths.

The minister, opportunities must be created with a belief that effective regulatory interventions are guaranteed ways of attaining such.

The government would not waver and asked those who still have misgivings about the amendment to the 6th Edition of the Code to meet with the regulator and present their views,” said Mohammed.

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