Broadcasting
UK-Based Lawyer Says DSO Not Backed by Law, Lacks Coherent Strategy
Timothy Agbo, United Kingdom-based Nigerian lawyer, has described the country’s country’s digital switchover (DSO) programme as having neither a legal backing nor a coherent strategy.
The programme, which began in 2012, has largely been marked by unsteady implementation, resulting in two missed deadlines and a halt in 2018, was on 30 April restarted in Lagos State and is expected to be completed in three years.
Agbo, who was a broadcaster before going to study law, is of the view that the completion rests on hope rather than expectation, as the programme is not backed by any law and its implementation is incoherent.
He explained that countries that have completed the DSO programme had digital transition legislations in place. These, he said, guided the programme in terms of financing and milestones.
He noted that such legislations focused on industry-specific challenges and assisted in the delivery of end-to-end digital capabilities—from strategy development, to technology implementation, to managed services.
“In the UK, they had the Transition Act, the legal framework enacted by parliament on which the programme was based. We have no such here. What we have is murky and means, for example, that content owners who wish to establish new television platforms are unaware of the licensing framework,” said Agbo.
He argued that the country lost an opportunity to draft a new body of regulations and digital licensing during last year’s review of the National Broadcasting Code.
“We wasted the opportunity because the review was rushed and the amendments failed to address the digital switchover programme. This has created uncertainty, which will affect investor confidence in the envisaged digital broadcasting ecosystem.
“It is unclear what the new digital platform or channel application and licensing processes are. What the Federal Government is harping on is the 2014 DSO Whitepaper, which is no law. It is surprising that such as an ecosystem-altering programme has no law speaking to governance and operating structure, financial relationships and other elements, but is left to the whims of individuals, as we can see from the recent directive to broadcasters to migrate to the platforms of private companies, one of which was illegally paid N2.5billion by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC),” argued Agbo.
He contended that without a law, funds for the DSO may end up in private pockets.
The lawyer similarly noted that the NBC has been unable to adequately articulate the objectives of the DSO, leaving the industry and the general public without clarity of where the DSO is headed and when it will arrive at its destination.
“The general public has little, if any, understanding of what the DSO is. Nobody is talking about the DSO. We can argue that there are more pressing issues-security, faltering economy and inter-ethnic and religious tensions.
“But even before now, DSO provoked no public interest. It makes you wonder why the government has chosen to sink its teeth into it at this time.
“The weak economy will make it difficult for broadcasters to meet DSO requirements such as investment in new services. Signal distributors are already finding it tough to invest in transmission infrastructure, while manufacturers are having the same experience with investment that will lead to delivery of Set-Top-Boxes in the required numbers,” noted Agbo.
Broadcasting
Aero Contractors Celebrates Long-Serving Employees at Award Ceremony
Aero Contractors recently hosted its Long Service Award Ceremony, a momentous event dedicated to honoring distinguished retirees for their exceptional service and unwavering commitment to the organization.
The ceremony, which celebrated loyalty and excellence, featured the presentation of recognition plaques and the disbursement of retirement benefits to the honorees. Among those celebrated were:
•Capt. Gerald Nmoka
•Stephen Kukoyi
•Promise Amadi
•Victor Aitanun
•Nwankwo Stephen N.
The management of Aero Contractors expressed profound gratitude to these outstanding individuals, whose dedication and expertise have significantly contributed to the airline’s growth and success over the years.
Speaking at the event, Aero Contractors’ Managing Director, Capt. Ado Sanusi, underscored the importance of celebrating excellence and fostering a culture of recognition within the organization. “Our retirees have exemplified the highest standards of professionalism and commitment. Their legacy will continue to inspire our team as we build a brighter future for Aero Contractors,” he stated.
As a leading airline in Nigeria, Aero Contractors remains committed to supporting its employees and creating an environment that values their contributions. This commitment reflects the company’s ongoing efforts to uphold its reputation as a trusted, value driven airline”
Broadcasting
NAFDAC Dismisses False Claims of Approving ‘Lung-Cleansing Tea’
National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has refuted claims that it approved a herbal product marketed as “lung-cleansing tea” for smokers.
Mojisola Adeyeye, director-general of NAFDAC, in a statement on Saturday, December 14, clarified that the product, identified as Lungitox (Smokers Pride), was never approved and had its registration application rejected due to its unsubstantiated health claims.
“The attention of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has been drawn to a misleading video circulating on social media, alleging that NAFDAC approved the registration of a herbal product claiming that ‘smoking is healthy’ when used with their product,” the statement read.
“NAFDAC wishes to categorically state that this claim is false and completely unfounded.
“The product in question—Lung Detox Tea or Lungitox (Smokers Pride) or any similar product—is NOT registered by NAFDAC.
The unscrupulous individual behind this product had applied for registration, but the application was outrightly rejected due to the unsubstantiated and dangerous claim that smoking could be made ‘healthy’ by consuming the product.”
NAFDAC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting public health and ensuring that only safe and scientifically validated products are approved.
“NAFDAC remains steadfast in its mandate to protect public health and ensure that only safe, effective, and scientifically substantiated products are approved.
“We condemn any attempt to mislead or endanger the public with false claims.
“The public is advised to disregard this video and report any suspicious claims or products to the Agency through our official channels.”
Adeyeye provided contact information for reporting such claims, urging Nigerians to remain vigilant.
“For further inquiries or reports, please contact NAFDAC via 0800-162-3322, email [email protected], or visit our website at www.nafdac.gov.ng.
NAFDAC will continue to take decisive action against any individual or entity attempting to violate public health standards.”
The agency reiterated its dedication to ensuring that all products in the Nigerian market meet the required safety and efficacy standards.
Broadcasting
Coalition Drags Reuben Abati, Arise TV to NBC over Anti-Igbo Remarks
A coalition of media organisations, comprising the League of Public Affairs Analysts and South East Media Professionals Network, has called for disciplinary action against Arise TV and Dr. Reuben Abati, show host, over alleged inciting remarks against the Igbos.
This was contained in a formal petition to the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), signed by Ambrose Igboke.
According to the group, Arise TV and Dr. Reuben Abati allegedly made a divisive comment against the South East and Igbos during a TV Breakfast Show on November 21, 2024.
Recall that during the November 21 Breakfast Show, Abati had said on Arise TV, “It is a shame that the same Igbos who are so industrious that they’re all over and they do well in other parts of Nigeria.
“You go there as a non-Igbo man to go and buy land, you’ll be told that you don’t belong, even as an in-law. These are the issues in my view.”
The journalist and former Presidential aid referred to an incident reportedly involving the former Minister of Information, T.O.S Benson, who sought to purchase land in Igbo land for his wife.
The anti-Igbo comment has resulted in criticism and outburst from different groups.
They argued in the petition that there are “concerns about remarks made by Dr. Abati, which perpetuated harmful stereotypes against the Igbo community.
“These statements have been further amplified by extremist groups like Lagospidia, exacerbating ethnic tensions in an already delicate socio political climate.”
The media professionals said, “Dr. Abati’s reference to the Igbo people in a broad, negative context risks inflaming ethnic tensions and promoting dangerous generalizations. This kind of action was what ignited the Rwandan genocide where the Hutu and Tutsi engaged in a fratricidal war of extermination. It all started with a radio
“His comments were quickly weaponized by groups known for anti-Igbo sentiments, fueling divisive narratives that undermine national unity.
“Dr. Abati’s hostile response to a colleague, Ms. Ojy Okpe, on the following day’s broadcast, demonstrated a troubling disregard for professional journalistic standards.
” The remarks and behavior constitute a breach of the Nigerian Broadcasting Code, which prohibits content that incites division or promotes hate speech.”
The petitioners called for a thorough review of Abati’s remarks and the editorial lapses that allowed such conduct to air.
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