The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has condemned the Zamfara State Government for shutting down the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) in Gusau and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCNPride )'s FM for allegedly violating government orders and journalistic practices. 

The government on Saturday in its statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Alhaji Ibrahim Dosara, in Gusau said the closure of the stations was approved by the State Security Council.

Dosara further noted that other privately operated media organizations such as Gamji TV, Gamji FM, and Al umma TV were also sanctioned.

Meanwhile, the NBC in a statement signed by its Director-General, Balarabe Shehu Ilelah, urged the security agencies to ignore the call to restrict staff of the affected stations from conducting their legitimate duties.

The statement titled, ‘Illegal closure of broadcast stations by the Zamfara state government.’

It reads, “The National Broadcasting Commission has noted with serious concern the illegal action of Zamfara State Government by directing the shutdown of operations of licensees of the Commission in the State, on Saturday, October 15, 2022.

“The NBC has clearly notified the State Government of the gravity of the illegality and requested it to expeditiously reverse the directive and apologize to the people of the State.

“We also urge the Security Agencies to ignore the call to restrict Staff of the affected Stations from conducting their legitimate duties.

“The Commission wishes to further emphasize that it will resist any attempt to cause a breach of law and order anywhere through the misuse of the broadcast media in Nigeria, before, during and after the 2023 national elections.

“We call on all ndustry stakeholders to resist any attempt to truncate the hard-earned democratic gains in Nigeria.

“Any aggrieved Person or Institution with genuine complaint(s) arising from unprofessional conduct or action by any licensed broadcaster in Nigeria is hereby requested to follow the laid down processes enshrined in the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.

“The Commission will not relent to discharge its mandate according to the NBC Act, CAP. NII, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. All broadcast license holders are urged to ensure strict compliance and avoid any action inimical to democratic governance and peaceful coexistence in Nigeria.

“Kindly extend the warmest high regards and assurances of the Director-General and the Board of management of the NBC, to all Nigerians.”