STB Manufacturers Accuse NBC of Regulatory Abuse in Nigeria

The Set Top Box Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (STBMAN), led by Chairman Godfrey Ohuabunwa, has accused the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) of abusing its regulatory power, which they claim threatens the progress of Nigeria's digital switch-over (DSO) project that began in 2008. Ohuabunwa stated that the NBC's actions reflect a confrontational attitude rather than fostering stability in the broadcasting sector.

He highlighted that despite 17 years of discussions, Nigeria has not made significant progress in digital migration. The association criticized the NBC for planning to import hybrid set-top boxes from China, which they argue violates President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's "Nigeria First" policy aimed at prioritizing local manufacturing.

STBMAN has called for President Tinubu to intervene and halt the NBC's licensing of imported set-top boxes pending the resolution of ongoing court cases, warning that failure to address these issues may compel them to explore legal options, including contempt proceedings against the commission.