The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has revealed that a bill aiming to regulate social media has undergone its initial reading in the Nigerian National Assembly. The NBC, which proposed the bill to amend the NBC Act, CAP L11 laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, voiced its concerns about the current legal framework not providing them with the authority to oversee social media platforms. Balarabe Ilelah, the director-general of the NBC, emphasized the challenges posed by social media, referring to it as a "monster."
The bill is intended to expand the NBC's powers to address issues related to the transition from analog to digital broadcasting services, the improvement of audio and video quality, efficient spectrum management, the Nigeria Broadcast Institute, social media regulation, and other relevant matters. Mr. Ilelah elaborated on the significance of this move, stating, "Unless there is a law that allows NBC to act on social media issues, the issue will continue to be a monster in our daily lives in this country." The potential regulation of social media in Nigeria remains a topic of significant interest and debate.
