NBC denies issuing radio station license for herdsmen

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has denied recent media reports that claimed that it granted radio license to herdsmen.

However, NBC said that the National Commission for Nomadic Education duly applied for broadcast license in furtherance of its objectives to develop and maintain nomadic education outreach programmes.

Recall that the Federal Government has confirmed the acquisition of an Amplitude Modulation radio broadcast licence, to reach herdsmen across various locations in the country.

The Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, stated this in Abuja during an interview with newsmen.

Adamu said the establishment of the radio frequency, was to end the perennial farmers-herders crises across the country.

The Minister explained that the radio service would operate on frequency of 720KHz and would air in Fulani language.

However, the NBC in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday by an assistant director in the commission, Ekanem Antia, said all broadcasting stations must exercise restraint in the treatment of sensitive issues that could threaten the unity and stability of Nigeria.

The statement added, “The Commission is reacting to the media controversy over the license granted to the National Commission for Nomadic Education for the establishment of a radio station to operate on the AM band.

“The National Commission for Nomadic Education duly applied for Broadcast license in furtherance of its objectives to develop and maintain nomadic education outreach programmes, including electronically mediated ones.

“The letter of provisional approval dated September 28th, 2018, was issued to the National Commission for Nomadic Education. The duration of the license is from October 8th, 2018 to October 8th, 2023.

“The station’s programmes, which shall be purely educational, are designed to cater for the interest of migrant fishermen, herders, hunters, farmers, and migrants. Consequently, it is a misrepresentation for any person, or organization to imply that the licensed station was just for a particular group.

“Similar educational broadcast licences were issued to institutions of higher learning and other governmental institutions with comparable needs, such as the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Federal Road Safety Commission, and related institutions.

“Specifically, the Commission enjoins broadcasting stations to take special note of the following provisions of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, which emphasize peace and national integration.

“While upholding professionalism and observing global best practices, stations are further advised to treat potentially divisive issues with tact and sensitivity,” the NBC said.