Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has urged the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to extend its regulatory framework to cover online radio and television platforms as part of efforts to curb the spread of misinformation, hate speech, and harmful content across digital media.
This call was contained in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mustapha Muhammad.
Governor Yusuf made the appeal while delivering his remarks at the Africast 2025 Conference organized by the NBC in Lagos.
Yhe conference brought together media professionals, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to examine emerging trends and challenges in the broadcast sector.
Represented by the Director-General of Media and Publicity, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the Governor expressed concern over the increasing misuse of online broadcasting platforms, especially those pushing divisive and inflammatory content along religious and political lines.
He warned that the proliferation of unregulated digital broadcast channels poses a significant threat to national unity and security.
“The unregulated online broadcasting environment has become a breeding ground for misinformation and hate speech, especially on sensitive issues such as religion and politics.
It is time for the NBC to take proactive measures to ensure accountability and ethical standards in the digital media space,” he said.
In response, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Information commended Governor Yusuf’s position and disclosed that the National Assembly is already working on an amendment to the NBC Act, which has passed first reading in the Senate.
The proposed amendment seeks to give the Commission the legal authority to regulate webcasts and online broadcast platforms, ensuring they adhere to professional and ethical standards similar to traditional media.
Governor Yusuf’s advocacy reflects his administration’s commitment to promoting responsible media practice, enhancing digital literacy, and safeguarding public interest in an evolving communication landscape.
It will be recalled that Governor Yusuf was recently honoured as the 2025 Most Media-Friendly Governor by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
