Manufacturers Petition Tinubu Over NBC’s DSO Policies, Demand Urgent Intervention

By Our Reporter

The Association of Licensed Set-Top Box Manufacturers of Nigeria (STBMAN) has raised serious concerns over what it describes as repeated breaches of due process by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) in handling the country’s Digital Switch Over (DSO) project.
This was made known in a statement signed by the Chairman of the association, Sir Godfrey Ohuabunwa, in Abuja.

According to the statement, the actions of the NBC are hindering Nigeria’s transition from analogue to digital broadcasting while also discouraging local investors who have already committed significant resources to the initiative.
The association noted that a recent statement by the Independent Broadcasters Association of Nigeria (IBAN) further exposes longstanding challenges affecting the DSO process.
Ohuabunwa recalled that Nigeria began serious discussions on the DSO project as far back as 2008. However, 17 years later, the country has recorded minimal progress, even as other nations that once sought Nigeria’s guidance have successfully completed their transitions.
The statement emphasized that the association has consistently called for adherence to three critical principles: protection of local manufacturers in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Nigeria First” industrial policy, strict compliance with the Federal Government’s White Paper on DSO, and respect for the rule of law to sustain investor confidence.
It, however, lamented that these demands have largely been ignored.
The association also faulted the Commission’s alleged plan to import hybrid set-top boxes from China, describing the move as a disregard for the substantial investments made by licensed Nigerian manufacturers and a contradiction of the President’s directive to prioritize locally produced goods.
It stressed that government agencies should focus on strengthening local industries rather than undermining them, noting that manufacturers have invested heavily in equipment, technological upgrades, and workforce development with the expectation of policy consistency and government support.
STBMAN therefore called on President Tinubu to urgently intervene by directing the NBC to suspend all new licensing, permits, or certifications related to set-top box importation or manufacturing until the ongoing court case is resolved.
The association added that its appeal is driven by patriotism and the need to restore order to the DSO programme, stressing that a successful digital transition can only be achieved through collaboration, adherence to policy guidelines, and respect for the rule of law.
While reaffirming its support for the Federal Government, the group warned that it may initiate contempt proceedings if the situation persists.
It further accused the NBC of taking actions that undermine a subsisting court order in Suit No. FCT/HC/GAR/CV/442/2024, emphasizing that no government agency is above the law or permitted to act contrary to an active court directive.