Importers of mobile transmitters to get NBC clearance before placing orders—DG
Considering the growing wave of secessionist movements in some parts of the country, the leadership of National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), has placed a caveat on the importation of mobile transmitters, saying national security is under threat going by the way such transmissions being used nationwide.
Explaining more during a press briefing at national headquarters of the agency, the Director General, Mallam Is’haq Modibbo Kawu said he is working on a strategy to stop importation of mobile transmitters by non-state, secessionist groups, who are using it to broadcast anti-national propaganda.
To back up the new policy, NBC has written to the Nigeria Customs Service (NBC), for NBC to re-commence the process of pre-inspection of all imported transmitters into the country as was done in the past. The collaboration with Customs according to NBC is enable NBC control the importation of such transmitters into the country.
He noted that there is national security issue involved in the importation of mobile transmitters and decried that “There are mobile transmitters being imported by non-state, secessionist groups, who are using these transmitters to broadcast anti-national, propaganda”.
While arguing that “This is part of their effort to de-legitimise our country and propagate hate as well as secessionist propaganda,” Kawu revealed that already the transmitters are causing clash of frequencies all over country.
He made it clear that City-based FM radio stations are permitted under the terms of their licenses to install 2KW transmitters, stressing that “That way, it is possible for NBC to repeat frequencies in various cities around Nigeria”.
According to him, “what has been happening is that stations go to purchase and install transmitters beyond the power that they were initially allocated,” saying “Over 90 stations with such transmitters installed beyond their capacity have been identified across Nigeria”.
