The 82nd General Assembly of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria convened at the Hogis Royale Hotel in Calabar, Cross River State, spanning from October 7th to 8th, 2026. The two-day gathering featured a courtesy call on the Executive Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Edet Otu.
At the end of deliberations, the Assembly issued the following communiqué:
A. BROADCAST INDUSTRY AND THE NIGERIAN ECONOMY
1. The Assembly critically analysed the impact of the current Nigerian economy on the broadcast industry and the public at large. It notes with concern that many radio and television stations have shut down operations, while many others have drastically reduced transmission hours due to excruciating operational challenges occasioned by the high cost of diesel and the unbearable tariffs of public power supply, coupled with its epileptic nature.
The Assembly therefore appeals to the Federal Government and sub-national governments to come up with concrete plans that will provide noticeable relief capable of rescuing the broadcast sector from total collapse.
2. The General Assembly frowned at the multiple taxes and levies being imposed on broadcast stations by Local Government Authorities, despite the payment of statutory licence fees to the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).
The Assembly calls on the National Revenue Service to holistically review the new tax regime by harmonising taxation as contained in the recently enacted Tax Act.
B. DIGITAL SWITCHOVER (DSO)
3. The General Assembly reflected on the recent Digital Switchover exercise by the National Broadcasting Commission, through which some television stations were migrated to Direct-To-Home (DTH) transmission via NigComSat.
4. The Assembly calls on the National Broadcasting Commission to convene a stakeholders’ meeting in the broadcast sector as agreed before the last switchover exercise. Regular engagements will enable stakeholders to review developments in the broadcast industry with a view to moving the digital migration process forward.
C. SUPPORT FOR PRIVATE BROADCAST MEDIA
5. The Assembly notes the critical role of private broadcast media in every state of the Federation in enhancing information flow between government and the governed.
In light of this, BON calls on the Federal and State Governments to subsidise the energy costs of private broadcast stations within their domains through support for solar energy and other alternative power solutions. This is necessary to ensure regular and unhindered information dissemination and public enlightenment to the nooks and crannies of the country.
D. COVERAGE OF THE FORTHCOMING GENERAL ELECTIONS
6. The Assembly appeals to all Chief Executive Officers of broadcast stations to ensure credibility and accuracy in the dissemination of information on the ongoing campaigns and activities relating to the forthcoming general elections.
7. The Assembly urges broadcast media organisations to organise election debates at the state level as part of efforts to bring contestants closer to the people they aspire to lead.
The Assembly further resolves to work in conjunction with the Nigeria Elections Debate Group (NEDG) and other stakeholders to organise professionally-driven debates at both Federal and State levels.
8. BON expresses deep sadness over the recent fatal military plane crash that claimed the lives of some officers of the Nigerian Air Force.
While grieving with the families, colleagues and leadership of the Nigerian Air Force, the Assembly urges the Federal Government to carry out a painstaking investigation to determine the cause of the unfortunate incident with a view to forestalling future occurrences.
9. BON salutes the entire military and paramilitary structures in the country for the successes recorded in combating insecurity across the six geopolitical zones. While appreciating the huge sacrifices they are making to secure lives, property and national assets, the Assembly urges them to sustain current efforts at ensuring peace and security in the country.
F. COMMENDATION
10. The General Assembly commends the Governor of Cross River State, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, and his Executive Council for the execution of landmark and people-oriented projects across urban and rural areas of the State. The Assembly also commends the Governor’s decision to revamp Tinapa and the Obudu Cattle Ranch as international tourist centres.
G. APPRECIATION
11. The General Assembly expresses profound appreciation to the Governor of Cross River State, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, and the good people of Cross River State for hosting the 82nd General Assembly.
The Assembly equally thanks the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, Ph.D., and the Honourable Commissioner for Information, Pastor Ekpenyong Cobham, for organising a hitch-free conference.
Dr.Yemisi Bamgbose Executive Secretary
Held at Hogis Royale Hotel, State Housing Estate, Calabar, Cross River State 7th – 8th October, 2026
What You Should Know
The Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) recently held its 82nd General Assembly to address major bottlenecks affecting the media sector, including soaring energy costs, multiple taxation, and the ongoing digital switchover.
- Positive Impact: Recommendations for government subsidies on energy and the push to harmonize taxes could lower operational costs for media stations, ensuring better public information dissemination and voter education ahead of upcoming general elections.
- Potential Concerns: Continued high operational costs and epileptic power supply threaten the survival of numerous broadcasting stations, risking further shutdowns and reduced transmission hours if concrete government interventions are delayed.
