IBAN elects John Momoh as BoT chair, asks NBC to halt 2.5% statutory levy on broadcasters

The Independent Broadcasters Association of Nigeria (IBAN) has elected John Momoh, chief executive officer (CEO) of Channels TV, as the chairman of its board of trustees (BoT).

A statement issued on Tuesday said the BoT members were elected during the association’s emergency extraordinary general meeting held on August 30.

Other members of the BoT are Osa Adun, Raymond Dokpesi, Ben Bruce, Godfrey Ohuabunwa, Ahmed Ramalan, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, Tony Dara, Toun Okewale, and Tatiana Mousali.

The broadcasters’ association also elected an executive council with Tijani Ramalan as chairman, Tony Dara as vice-chairman, Charles Daniels as general secretary, Kadaria Ahmed as treasurer, and Greg Odutayo as publicity secretary.

In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, IBAN called on the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to exercise restraint in implementing the 2.5 percent annual levy on broadcasting stations.

The association urged NBC to adopt a more inclusive approach by engaging with relevant stakeholders to advance the sector.

“IBAN resolved to seek an urgent meeting with the minister of information and national orientation, Muhammed Idris, and the director-general of NBC to address ongoing contentious issues, particularly the Digital Switch Over (DSO) and matters related to set-top manufacturers,” the statement reads.

“The association also expressed serious concerns regarding the controversial 2.5% levy at source being demanded by NBC from broadcasters, urging the commission to exercise restraint in implementing this levy during these critical times.

“IBAN emphasized its commitment to protecting its members and called for an immediate review of the NBC Code by all stakeholders.

“Furthermore, IBAN resolved to engage with the DG NBC on the broader implications of recent regulatory actions, particularly in light of the country’s current economic challenges, which many perceive as amounting to double taxation.”