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A Lost Mission
For an apostle of deregulation, this write up is disturbing. The broadcast industry was deregulated during the (infamous if you like and in view of the Oputa Commission) regime of President Babaginda. New entrants were brought into that industry. A number of professional/specialist jobs were by that policy, directly or indirectly created and developed (never mind that many such beneficiaries go without salaries for several months).
A key entrant at the time was the Nigeria Broadcast Commission (NBC). The Commission was among other thing empowered to grant renewable licenses to deserving applicants. The Commission's schedule required it to monitor licensees to ensure the broadcast of programs with a bias percentage for local contents.
Working with the Communication Commission, frequencies are worked out and allotted to applicants desiring to engage in the broadcast business in Nigeria. The whole idea was aimed at developing the expertise in the broadcast/production, editing and home video business in the country. It was the believe at the time, that a large number of unengaged persons could find some financial as well as professional relevance with the development.
Furthermore, the huge amounts expended by local advertisers, on foreign programmes, could be re-channeled into the economy. Thereby resulting in a reduction in capital flight occasioned by such foreign patronage.
It was also in issue, although remotely, that it might occur to the NBC, to work with the agency(ies) set up to ensure the promotion/development local content in technology acquisition, to further the gains of deregulation in that industry.
It will appear that, no sooner than the NBC was established, and with a full compliment of personnel, board and directors; than they decided to abandon, with ignominy the very essence for which the Commission was established.
Whereas the NBC ought to involve it self in monitoring of the industry (it's licensees) to ensure that at least many (if not all) of the objectives for which the Commission was established are realized, particularly the increase in local content of broadcast menu in the industry, it is rather satisfied in engaging it's licensees in a mortal combat over statutory license fees due it.
For avoidance of doubt, there is nothing wrong with the Commission insisting on payment of its fees. That without more is not the essence for which the Commission was established. The Commission ought rather to engage in measures that would up lift the present state of the industry to such that it becomes competitive, and comparable to the very best in the world. Also it should bother the Commission that the bulk of equipments used in the industry are imported. The huge capital out flow that preceded the Commission appeared to have quadrupled (or even more) as more sponsored foreign programmes now receive over 80% of air time to the disadvantage of local competitors. One hears that a local art has to grease hands in the industry before it could be sure of airtime. That one understands, is not the position with foreign art; many of which lack any ingenuity as most of our local art.
Suffice to say in conclusion that the broadcast of more local programs would save a lot of foreign exchange for the country, that is in addition to developing the local experts/quality of local programs and creating many more jobs in the industry to the benefit of Nigerians.