Manufacturers Urge Tinubu to Intervene in NBC Dispute

The Set Top Box Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (STBMAN) has expressed serious concerns regarding the National Broadcasting Commission's (NBC) alleged breaches of due process in managing Nigeria's digital switchover (DSO) program. In a statement issued in Abuja, STBMAN's chairman, Godfrey Ohuabunwa, highlighted that the NBC's actions are undermining the integrity of a project that has faced delays since formal discussions began in 2008.

The group accused the NBC of slow progress in Nigeria's transition from analogue to digital broadcasting, which has been ongoing for nearly 17 years. They criticized the NBC for approving the importation of hybrid set-top boxes from China, which they view as a direct affront to local manufacturers who have invested significantly in the sector.

STBMAN is calling for President Bola Tinubu's urgent intervention to suspend new licenses and permits related to set-top box imports until ongoing court cases are resolved, warning that failure to act could further erode investor confidence and derail the DSO project.