Kano Governor urges online broadcasting regulation to curb misinformation, hate speech, and divisive content threatening national peace and security.
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has urged the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to prioritize online broadcasting regulation, warning that the unchecked spread of misinformation and inflammatory content online threatens Nigeria’s peace and social cohesion.
Speaking at the Africast 2025 Conference in Lagos, Governor Yusuf highlighted the urgent need for the regulatory framework to extend beyond traditional media to online radio, television, and streaming platforms, emphasizing that digital media has become a key arena for public discourse and national influence.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mustapha Muhammad, and represented at the conference by his Director General of Media and Publicity, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the governor expressed deep concern over the misuse of online platforms.
“The unregulated digital broadcasting environment has become a breeding ground for misinformation and hate speech.
“It is time for the NBC to implement online broadcasting regulation to ensure accountability and uphold ethical standards,” Governor Yusuf said.
He noted that some online broadcasters were exploiting the digital space to spread divisive narratives on religion, politics, and social issues.
Such practices, he warned, could destabilize communities and undermine national unity if left unchecked.
According to the governor, online broadcasting regulation is not intended to limit free expression but to guarantee responsible content delivery and safeguard public trust in digital media.
Responding to Governor Yusuf’s remarks, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Information applauded the initiative, noting that the National Assembly is actively considering amendments to the NBC Act.
The proposed amendment, which has passed the first reading in the Senate, aims to empower the NBC with the authority to regulate online broadcasters, including webcasts and streaming platforms.
“This legislative effort is critical for enforcing accountability and promoting ethical standards in Nigeria’s rapidly growing digital media space,” the chairman stated.
Experts at Africast 2025 emphasized the significance of online broadcasting regulation amid Nigeria’s digital transformation.
They observed that the proliferation of smartphones, affordable internet access, and social media platforms has expanded the reach of online content creators, offering opportunities for engagement while also creating risks for misinformation, fake news, and divisive narratives.
Without proper oversight, these trends could erode social harmony and undermine democratic processes.
Governor Yusuf also stressed the importance of public awareness and collaboration with media professionals, civil society, and digital content creators.
He called for educational campaigns to equip Nigerians with the skills to identify and report false or inflammatory content online.
“Online broadcasting regulation must go hand-in-hand with citizen awareness. Accountability cannot be achieved solely through legislation; it requires informed users and responsible content creators,” he explained.
The conference highlighted the need for a balanced approach to online broadcasting regulation—one that enforces ethical standards without stifling creativity or innovation.
Participants recommended clear licensing requirements, strict adherence to ethical guidelines, and monitoring mechanisms that allow for timely intervention against harmful content.
They also encouraged partnerships between the NBC, tech companies, and civil society groups to maintain transparency, fairness, and credibility in the digital media space.
Governor Yusuf concluded by reiterating that the future of Nigeria’s media landscape depends on robust regulation and responsible online content management.
Extending NBC’s powers to online platforms, he argued, is essential to ensuring that digital media supports national unity, mitigates misinformation, and maintains public confidence.
“The era of unchecked online broadcasting is over. Nigeria must adopt online broadcasting regulation that guarantees ethical standards, accountability, and protection against divisive content,” he added.
Governor Yusuf’s advocacy underscores the critical role of online broadcasting regulation in safeguarding Nigeria’s digital media ecosystem.
By empowering the NBC to enforce standards, monitor content, and collaborate with key stakeholders, the nation can curb misinformation, protect social cohesion, and foster responsible online broadcasting practices for the benefit of all citizens.
More news at ireport247news
About The Author
