Powers of the Commission

The Act of the National Assembly empowers the Commission, to carry out a number of duties, some of which include, licensing monitoring, regulating and conducting research in broadcasting in Nigeria. It is also the duty of the Commission, to ensure the development, in a dynamic manner, through the accreditation of the mass communication curricula in all the tertiary and other institution related to broadcasting. The National Broadcasting Commission is mandated by Section 2 subsection (1) of Act No 38 of 1992 as amended by Act No 55. of 1999 to carry out the following functions;

1. Advising the federal government, on the implementation of the National Mass Communication Policy, with particular reference to broadcasting;
2. Receiving, processing and considering applications, for establishment, ownership or operation of Radio and Television stations including;
   • Cable Television Services, Direct Satellite Broadcast and any other medium of broadcasting.
   • Radio and Television stations owned established or operated by the Federal State And Local Government.
   • And stations run under private ownership.
3. Recommending applications, through the Minister of Information and, National Orientation, to the President, Commander-In-Chief of the Armed forces, for the grant of radio and television licenses;
4. Regulating and controlling the broadcast industry;
5. Undertaking research and development in the broadcast industry;
6. Receiving, Considering and investigating complaints from individual and bodies corporate, regarding the contents of a broadcasting station and the conduct of a broadcasting station;
7. Upholding the principles of equity and fairness in broadcasting;
8. Establishing and disseminating a national broadcasting code and setting standards with regards to the contents and quality of materials for broadcast;
9. Promoting Nigerian indigenous cultures, moral and community life through broadcasting;
10. Promoting authenticated Radio and Television audience measurement and penetration;
11. Initiating and harmonizing government policies on Trans-border direct transmission and reception in Nigeria;
12. Regulating ethical standards and technical excellence in public, private and commercial broadcast stations in Nigeria.
13. Monitoring broadcasting for harmful emission, interference and illegal broadcasting;
14. Determining and applying sanctions, including revocation of licenses of defaulting stations, which do not operate in accordance with the broadcast Code and in the public interest;
15. Approving the transmitter power, location of stations, areas of coverage as well as regulate types of broadcast equipment to be used;
16. Ensuring qualitative manpower development in the broadcasting industry, by accrediting curricula and programmes for all tertiary training institutions that offer Mass Communications in relation to broadcasting;
17. Intervening and arbitrating in conflicts in the broadcast industry.
18. Ensuring strict adherence to the national Laws, rules and regulations relating to the participation of foreign capital, in relation to local capital in broadcasting;
19. Serving as national consultant on any legislative or regulatory issues on the broadcasting industry;
20. Guaranteeing and ensuring the liberty and protection of the Broadcasting industry with due respect to the law and;
21. Carrying out such other activities as are necessary or expedient for the full discharge of all or any of the functions conferred on it under, or pursuant to this act.