The Association of Licensed Set-Top Box Manufacturers of Nigeria, (STBMAN), has frowned at what it described as repeated violations of due process by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) in the management of the country’s Digital Switch Over (DSO) project.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Sir Godfrey Ohuabunwa, in Abuja, the association stated that the actions of the NBC were slowing down Nigeria’s transition from analogue to digital broadcasting and discouraging local investors who had committed resources to the project.
It noted that the recent statement issued by the Independent Broadcasters Association of Nigeria, IBAN, highlighted long-standing problems in the DSO process.
Ohuabunwa sad Nigeria began serious discussions on DSO as far back as 2008, yet 17 years later, the country had made little progress, while nations that once sought Nigeria’s assistance had completed their own transitions.
The association stressed that it had repeatedly called for three key issues to be respected which included the 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 full respect for the rule of law, which it described as essential for investor confidence.
According to the statement these calls had been ignored,
It also criticised the Commission’s alleged plan to import hybrid set-top boxes from China.
It said this move disregards the heavy investments already made by licensed Nigerian manufacturers and contradicts the President’s directive to prioritise locally made products.
According to the statement, agencies of government should be working to strengthen local industries, not sidelining them.
It stressed that manufacturers had invested in equipment, technology upgrades and workforce training, expecting government support and policy stability.
The statement, therefore, appeals to President Tinubu to urgently intervene and direct the NBC to halt all new licensing, permits, or certifications relating to set-top box importation or manufacturing until the pending court case is concluded.
The association added that the appeal was anchored on patriotism and the need to restore order to the DSO programme, adding that Nigeria cannot not achieve a successful digital transition without collaboration, respect for policy guidelines, and adherence to the law.
The statement reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the federal government but warned that it may pursue contempt proceedings if the current situation continued.
It further accused the NBC of taking steps that undermined a subsisting court order in Suit No. FCT/HC/GAR/CV/442/2024, warning that no agency of government was permitted to act against an active court directive.
