The National Communications Authority (NCA) has directed noncompliant FM Broadcasting Stations to immediately suspend operations on their respective frequencies for various infractions.
The Authority issued the directive in a statement released on Thursday, June 12, 2025.
According to the NCA, the enforcement action has become necessary due to persistent violations of regulatory requirements, specifically Regulations 54 and 56 of the Electronic Communications Regulations, 2011 (L.I. 1991) and the Conditions of their FM Broadcasting Authorisations.
“A total of approximately sixty-two (62) stations have been affected. These stations currently do not hold valid broadcasting Authorisations or do not have a Certificate of Compliance to commence operations and may only resume operations once all regulatory infractions have been addressed and rectified,” the NCA said.
The decision to suspend operations of these FM stations follows a directive issued by the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, mandating the NCA to enforce applicable sanctions on stations found to be in violation of the regulations in the recent audit conducted by the NCA to ensure full compliance with licensing and operational requirements in the broadcasting sector.
The NCA has since commenced enforcement of regulatory sanctions against defaulting entities identified in the Frequency Audit Report in phases.
After the first phase of the audit by the NCA, the following infractions were identified;
Twenty-Eight (28) stations operating with expired Authorisations. Some of these stations were ordered by the NCA in 2024 to cease broadcasting but have persisted in the illegality. This represents violation of Section 2 (4) of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775).
Fourteen (14) FM stations that were issued Notices of Revocation for failure to setup within two (2) years from the date of their Authorisations but subsequently requested for inspection but the process has not been completed due to various lapses they have to rectify but are still on air. These stations are in violation of Regulation 54 of the Electronic Communications Regulations, 2011, L.I. 1991.
Thirteen (13) FM stations that applied for Authorisation to continue operating and have been issued Provisional Authorisation but not have settled the Provisional Authorisation fees in full and hence, do not have the valid Authorisation to continue operating. Their actions amount to violation of Section 2 (4) of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775).
Seven (7) FM stations that have paid provisional authorisation fees but final Authorisation yet to be issued and have not fulfilled the requirements of Regulation 54 of the Electronic Communications Regulations, 2011, L.I. 1991.
While the NCA acknowledges the vital role radio stations play in national development, it is imperative that all Authorisation Holders strictly adhere to the regulatory requirements and conditions of their Authorisations.
Consequently, failure to comply with this directive shall constitute an affront to the prescribed conditions for FM Broadcasting with grave consequences for their Authorisations.
“We wish to assure the general public that the NCA remains dedicated to maintaining order in the broadcasting sector. We urge all Authorisation Holders to fully comply with regulatory requirements to help promote an orderly industry,” the NCA added.
