Gov.Yusuf To Submit Memorandum On Broadcasting Standards To Senate Information Committee
By Abdullahi Yusuf
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has taken a significant step in the ongoing national efforts to reform Nigeria’s broadcasting regulatory framework, preparing a comprehensive memorandum for submission to the Senate Committee on Information.
Represented by his spokesperson Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the governor disclosed this at the 2nd Annual National Conference and Induction Ceremony of the Society of Nigerian Broadcasters (SNB) held in Kano.
The conference has the theme: “Broadcasting Ethics and Professionalism in the Age of Artificial Intelligence (AI).”
Dawakin Tofa said the initiative was part of the ongoing review of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) Act.
He said the memorandum which was crafted following extensive consultations with media professionals, legal experts, and the civil society, “reflected the Governor’s firm belief that Nigeria must strengthen its regulatory framework to address the growing challenges of misinformation, unethical broadcasting, and unregulated online content, especially in religious and political spheres.”
“At the 2025 Africa Summit in Lagos, His Excellency challenged the NBC to set higher standards for censorship, review, and regulation of online content that continues to shape public opinion and sometimes inflame tensions in our society.
“With the ongoing review of the NBC Act, the Governor has finalized a detailed memorandum ready for presentation to the Senate Committee on Information, aimed at promoting professionalism, accountability, and ethical conduct within the media landscape,” he said.
According to him, the memo highlights critical areas requiring legislative strengthening, including regulation of digital broadcasting and online media platforms; ethical standards for political and religious content; protection of journalists and media workers; adoption of global best practices in the era of artificial intelligence and strengthening penalties for harmful and unprofessional broadcasting.
Dawakin Tofa said Governor Yusuf’s proactive engagement with national media reforms demonstrated his commitment to building a responsible, ethical and future-ready broadcast sector.
He said the Governor’s leadership in media development had earned him multiple national and international recognitions including awards from the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Leadership Newspapers, This Nigeria Newspapers, and the African Heritage Magazine.
“These recognitions did not come by accident. They reflect the Governor’s consistency in supporting journalists, defending press freedom, investing in human capital, and promoting a media-friendly environment,” he said.
He highlighted notable state-level interventions under the administration, including signing a 2025 budget that prioritized welfare and media development; presenting an unprecedented N1.368 trillion 2026 budget with expanded support for journalism and communication development; sponsorship of Kano students for master’s degrees in India, Malaysia, Dubai, Uganda, and across Africa and revitalisation of three key media-related institutions – Institute of Development Journalism (ARTV Headquarters); Institute of Film Production and Institute of Information Technology (Kura).
“These institutions are now fully functional and are training young Kano citizens to become self-reliant professionals in journalism, film, digital media, and information technology,” he said.
Dawakin Tofa urged broadcasters and media practitioners to uphold the highest ethical and professional standards, stressing that the media remained the primary institution shaping public opinion, attitudes, and national cohesion.
“On behalf of His Excellency, I call on all media practitioners to rededicate themselves to professionalism and ethical practice. The future of our society depends significantly on the integrity of information,” he stated.
He then declared open the 2025 SNB Annual Conference and Induction Ceremony on behalf of the Governor, commending the Society of Nigerian Broadcasters for advancing professionalism in the industry.