Guide on How to Acquire a Radio/Tv Broadcasting License in Nigeria

Introduction

Acquiring a radio or TV broadcasting license in Nigeria involves several steps and requirements. The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) is Nigeria’s primary broadcasting regulatory body, established on August 24, 1992. This Decree was later amended by Act 55 of 1999 and is now known as the National Broadcasting Commission Act. The NBC is responsible for regulating and controlling the broadcasting industry in Nigeria, ensuring that broadcasting stations operate in accordance with the National Mass Communication Policy.

Some of its key functions include: grants licenses to broadcasting stations, regulates the broadcasting industry and it monitors broadcasting stations to ensure compliance with regulations and guidelines in accordance with the National Mass Communication Policy.

This article provides a comprehensive, step-by-step walkthrough to navigate the process with ease –

Step 1: Meet the Eligibility Criteria

1. Company Registration: Register your company under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) with a minimum share capital of ₦1 million.
2. Business Plan: Develop a comprehensive business plan outlining your broadcasting goals, target audience, and financial projections.

Step 2: Choose Your License Category

1. Radio Broadcasting License: Decide on the type of radio broadcast license you want to apply for: FM (Frequency Modulation) License, MW (Medium Wave/AM) License, or SW (Short Wave) License.
2. TV Broadcasting License: Choose the type of TV broadcast license you want to apply for: VHF (Very High Frequency) License, UHF (Ultra High Frequency) License, or Satellite TV License.

 

Step 3: Obtain an Application Form

1. Purchase an Application Form: Buy an application form from the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) at a cost of ₦50,000 via bank draft.
2. Complete the Application Form: Fill out the application form in triplicate and attach the required documents.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

1. Submit Your Application: Return the completed application form with the required documents to the NBC.
2. Required Documents: Attach the following documents to your application:

– Certificate of Incorporation

– Certified copy of Memorandum and Articles of Association

– Engineering design and feasibility study

– Letter of undertaking

– Bank letter providing financial guarantees

 

Step 5: Wait for Application Review

1. Application Review: The NBC will review your application to ensure it meets the requirements.
2. Inspection and Testing: The NBC may conduct an inspection and testing of your equipment to ensure it meets the technical standards.

 

Step 6: Obtain License Approval

1. License Approval: If your application is approved, you’ll receive a license approval letter from the NBC.
2. License Fee: Pay the required license fee, which varies depending on the type of license.

 

Step 7: Commence Broadcasting

1. Commence Broadcasting: Once you’ve received your license approval and paid the license fee, you can commence broadcasting.
2. Compliance with Regulations: Ensure you comply with the NBC’s regulations and guidelines to avoid penalties or license revocation.

 

License Fee Schedule for Broadcasting in Nigeria

After obtaining a broadcast license, companies must pay a license fee for an initial five-year term, subject to renewal. The license fee structure is as follows:

 

Category A: FCT, Lagos, and Port Harcourt

1. Radio: ₦20 million
2. Terrestrial TV: ₦15 million
3. Cable: ₦10 million

 

Category B: All Other States

1. Radio: ₦15 million
2. Terrestrial TV: ₦11.25 million
3. Cable: ₦7.5 million

 

Public/Government Stations

1. Five-year license: ₦5 million
2. Annual fee per channel: ₦1 million

 

Renewal Fees

1. Cable-Satellite Television (MMDS):
2. Category A: ₦5 million for five years
3. Category B: ₦4 million for five years
4. Direct Broadcast Satellite (Single Channel):
5. New and renewal: ₦10 million for five years
6. Direct-to-Home (DTH) (Multichannel):
7. New: ₦25 million for five years
8. Renewal: ₦50 million for five years (effective May 19, 2005)

 

Other Fees

1. Dealer (Wholesaler): ₦120,000 per annum
2. Importer (Wholesaler): ₦120,000 per annum
3. Retailer: ₦30,000 per annum
4. Application form: ₦50,000 per set

 

Conclusion

Remember to consult with the NBC and/or a qualified broadcast consultant or media law expert to ensure you follow the correct procedures and meet all requirements.

By Deborah Ogedengbe for Adeola Oyinlade & Co.

Adeola Oyinlade & Co. is a leading Corporate and Commercial full-service law firm in Nigeria offering advisory services to both local and foreign clients in the media sector of Nigeria.

 

To see our service offerings, please contact us at [email protected] or visit www.adeolaoyinlade.com

 

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