By BONIFACE AKARAH

The Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) has raised concerns over the shutdown of radio and television stations and reduced transmission hours across the country, blaming rising diesel costs and high electricity tariffs for the difficulties facing the broadcast industry.

The organisation made its position known in a communiqué issued after its 82nd General Assembly, held from October 7 to 8, 2026, at Hogis Royale Hotel, Calabar, Cross River State. The communiqué was e-signed by BON Executive Secretary, Dr. Yemisi Bamgbose.

BON appealed to the Federal Government and state governments to develop practical measures to ease the financial pressure on broadcasters, warning that the industry could face further decline without urgent intervention.

“The Assembly therefore appeals to the Federal Government and sub-national governments to come up with concrete plans that will provide noticeable relief capable of rescuing the broadcast sector from total collapse,” the communiqué stated.

The assembly also criticised the multiple taxes and levies imposed on broadcast stations by local government authorities, despite the payment of statutory licence fees to the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).

It called on the National Revenue Service to review the new tax regime and harmonise taxation in line with the recently enacted Tax Act.

BON further urged federal and state governments to support private broadcast stations with subsidies for energy costs, including assistance with solar power and other alternative energy solutions.

According to the organisation, such support would help stations maintain regular transmission and provide information and public enlightenment to communities across the country.

The assembly also called on the NBC to convene a stakeholders’ meeting to review developments in the industry and advance the digital switchover process. It noted that some television stations had recently been migrated to Direct-To-Home transmission through NigComSat.

On the forthcoming general elections, BON urged chief executives of broadcast stations to ensure accuracy and credibility in their coverage of campaigns and related activities.

It also encouraged broadcasters to organise debates at the state level to give voters the opportunity to hear directly from candidates seeking public office.

“The Assembly further resolves to work in conjunction with the Nigeria Elections Debate Group (NEDG) and other stakeholders to organise professionally-driven debates at both Federal and State levels,” the communiqué added.

On security, BON expressed sadness over a recent fatal military aircraft crash that claimed the lives of Nigerian Air Force officers, calling on the Federal Government to conduct a thorough investigation to establish the cause and help prevent future incidents.

The organisation also commended the military and paramilitary services for their efforts to combat insecurity across the country, urging them to sustain their operations.

BON praised Cross River State Governor Bassey Edet Otu and his executive council for what it described as landmark, people-oriented projects, particularly the plans to revive Tinapa and Obudu Cattle Ranch as international tourist centres.

The assembly expressed appreciation to the governor and the people of Cross River State for hosting the conference, while also acknowledging the contributions of Deputy Governor Peter Odey and Commissioner for Information Ekpenyong Cobham to its organisation.