Broadcasting
Another NBC Board Member Says Lai Mohammed’s Revised Broadcast Code Invalid
Mr. Salihu Bamidele Aluko, member, board of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has stated that the revised National Broadcasting Code is not the regulatory framework for the industry.
Lai Mohammed
Aluko, a lawyer, stated this in Abuja at a press conference addressed by the NBC Board led by Alhaji Ikra Aliyu Bilbis, chairman.
The revised code, which has sparked a huge public outcry, was unveiled three weeks ago by Alhaji Lai Mohammed, minister of Information and Culture.
Mohammed was pointedly accused by the NBC Board of unilaterally tinkering with the code after it had been publicly presented last year in Kano.
Aluko explained that the law setting up the commission is clear on what powers the minister has and what power the board has.
“The NBC was set up by law, which clearly states what the minister can approve without the Board. This is clearly stated in the act. The Board of the NBC wishes to make clear that the only code we recognise and which we shall work with as the policy and standard of NBC is the 6th edition of NBC Code 2019. The review has no endorsement and therefore, is not recognised in the regulation of broadcasting of Nigeria,” declared Aluko.
He warned that the code presented by the minister carries the potential of resulting in investor confidence loss in the broadcasting industry ecosystem.
“The minister’s version of the revised NBC Code does not meet any criteria of due process and inclusiveness of stakeholders,” Aluko told journalists.
He accused Armstrong Idachaba, acting NBC director-general, of falsely claiming that amendments to the code was endorsed by the Board before it was presented to the public in March.
“Nothing can be further from the truth. The public presentation was actually attended by serving directors in NBC, former DG of NBC, representatives of the ministry of information and four selected stakeholders,” said Aluko.
He explained that amendment to the code had been finalised in 2019 and publicly presented before the minister went back to unilaterally revise and presented it to the public in March during the lockdown imposed to curtail COVID-19 spread.
“There is a wide gap between the public presentation in Kano that attracted 60 stakeholders and that of Lagos. The Board of the NBC was neither informed nor represented. We may all recall that the 26th day of March 2020, when they did the public presentation in Lagos, the FG had announced Covid-19 lockdown in Lagos and Ogun states and the FCT,” said Aluko. He noted that the outcry that greeted the Mohammed’s public presentation of the amended code, the Board initiated a process to invite stakeholder input, but that process was thwarted by the minister through Idachaba, who issued a counter-notice repudiating the Board’s
Broadcasting
Anambra State Government Launches SolutionLens to Drive Transparency and Citizen Engagement
Anambra State Government has launched SolutionLens, a technology-driven platform aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement in governance.
The platform, developed through a collaborative effort by the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, the Ministry of Information, and the Anambra State ICT Agency, was unveiled on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at the Solution Innovation District (SID) Building in Awka.
Speaking at the launch, Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake, Honourable Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, described SolutionLens as a democratic tool that simplifies the Open Government Partnership (OGP) process.
She emphasized its role in planning, budgeting, and fostering investor confidence through community-based feedback mechanisms.
In her remarks, Mrs. Ogochukwu Orji, the State Coordinator of OGP, noted that SolutionLens is designed to shine a light on public projects, empowering citizens to ask questions, hold the government accountable, and ensure resources are used for the common good.
Key Features of SolutionLens
Centralized digital hub for government projects
Interactive maps with a user-friendly interface
Live chat feature to connect citizens directly with MDAs
A live demonstration of the platform was conducted, followed by the formal inauguration of MDA focal persons, who will ensure the platform remains updated and responsive.
Participants commended Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, for this forward-thinking initiative, describing SolutionLens as a game-changer in governance.
The government urged citizens to actively engage with the platform and spread awareness, emphasizing that this initiative will safeguard the integrity and prosperity of Anambra State for generations to come.
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has been named among the “50 Most Valuable Personalities (50MVPs) in Nigeria’s Digital Economy 2025,” a prestigious recognition celebrating visionary leadership in technology-driven governance.
Governor Alia’s administration has prioritized digital inclusion and ICT development, introducing groundbreaking initiatives that position Benue State at the forefront of Nigeria’s digital economy. Under his leadership, the government has established three key institutions: the Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, the Benue State Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC), and the Benue State Digital Infrastructure Services Management and Enforcement Agency (BENDISMEA).
Since assuming office, Alia has launched several digital initiatives, including training over 40,000 civil servants in e-governance tools and equipping 10,000 youths with digital skills. Additionally, the government has set up 276 e-commerce hubs across council wards to support local businesses and young entrepreneurs.
The BDIC, a core driver of Benue’s tech transformation, has spearheaded projects in digital financial inclusion, AI education, and broadband expansion. The state has also partnered with the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) to establish digital training hubs in all local government areas, targeting 23,000 trainees annually.
Alia’s recognition as one of Nigeria’s top digital leaders will be formalized at the West Africa Convergence Conference (WACC) 2025, scheduled for May 22 at The Colosseum, Lagos. The annual event, organized by Knowhow Media, brings together policymakers and innovators shaping Nigeria’s digital future.
Speaking on the selection process, Dr. Sola Afolabi, Chairman of the 2025 Nomination Committee, praised Alia’s contribution, describing his digital initiatives as “transformational steps that set the benchmark for technology-driven governance.”
Previous editions of the 50MVPs in Nigeria’s Digital Economy have honored notable figures such as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, and NDPC CEO, Dr. Vincent Olatunji.
Governor Alia’s reforms reflect a broader shift towards digital governance in Nigeria, highlighting the potential of technology to drive inclusive economic growth and efficient public administration.
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