‘We may appeal’ — NBC reacts to judgment barring it from imposing fines 

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) says it may appeal the court judgement barring it from imposing fines on broadcast stations.

On May 10, a federal high court in Abuja restrained the commission from imposing fines and set aside prior fines on 45 broadcast stations.

James Omotosho, the presiding judge, said the NBC did not have judicial powers to impose penalties, noting that the commission’s action was “against the doctrine of separation of powers”.

Balarabe Ilelah, NBC’s director general, on Friday, said the commission has applied for a certified copy of the judgment and will make an appropriate response on the case as soon as the judgement is perused.

“The attention of the National Broadcasting Commission has been drawn to a ruling by the federal high court, Abuja nullifying the powers of the commission to impose fines on broadcast stations that violate the provisions of the Nigeria broadcasting code,” the statement reads.

“In view of the foregoing, the commission has applied for a certified copy of the judgment. It is global best practice and the ethics of the legal profession, that no party to a suit can freely comment on a judgment it has not seen and read.

“The commission will appeal against the judgment when found to be in conflict with previous judgments of the court, which empowers the commission to regulate broadcasting in Nigeria.”