Zainab Ali
Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf on Saturday submitted a comprehensive memorandum to the Senate Committee on Information as part of the ongoing review of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) Act.
The memorandum outlines far-reaching reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s broadcasting regulatory framework, particularly in the areas of online media regulation, ethical standards, and journalist protection.
Yusuf, represented by his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, announced the development at the 2nd Annual National Conference and Induction Ceremony of the Society of Nigerian Broadcasters (SNB) in Kano.
A statement by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mustapha Muhammad, said the memorandum was developed after extensive consultations with media professionals, legal experts, and civil society groups. It addresses challenges posed by misinformation, unethical broadcasting, and unregulated online content, especially within political and religious messaging.
“At the 2025 Africa Summit in Lagos, His Excellency challenged the NBC to establish higher standards for censorship, review, and regulation of online content, which continues to shape public opinion and sometimes inflame tensions,” Bature said.
He added that the governor has now finalised the memorandum for formal submission to the Senate Committee on Information.
The document highlights priority areas requiring legislative reinforcement, including the regulation of digital broadcasting and online platforms, ethical guidelines for political and religious content, protection for journalists, adoption of global best practices in the age of artificial intelligence, and stricter penalties for harmful or unprofessional broadcasting.
Bature noted that the governor’s proactive engagement reflects his commitment to building a responsible, future-ready broadcasting sector.
He said Yusuf’s support for press freedom and media development has earned recognition from several organisations, including the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Nigeria Union of Teachers, Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Nigeria Labour Congress, Leadership Newspapers, This Nigeria Newspapers, and African Heritage Magazine.
The administration has also prioritised media development in the 2025 and 2026 budgets, sponsoring postgraduate studies abroad and revitalising three media-related institutions: the Institute of Development Journalism at the ARTV headquarters, the Institute of Film Production, and the Institute of Information Technology in Kura.
“These institutions are now operational, training young Kano citizens in journalism, film, digital media, and information technology,” he said.
Bature urged media practitioners to uphold ethical standards, stressing that the integrity of information remains central to Nigeria’s unity.
He declared the 2025 SNB Annual Conference and Induction Ceremony open on behalf of the governor.