The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has expressed its intention to potentially appeal a recent court ruling that prohibits the commission from imposing fines on broadcast stations.

On May 10, a federal high court in Abuja issued an injunction restraining the NBC from imposing fines and also set aside previous fines imposed on 45 broadcast stations.

The presiding judge, James Omotosho, stated that the NBC lacked judicial powers to impose penalties, highlighting that such actions were contradictory to the principle of separation of powers.

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Balarabe Ilelah, the Director General of the NBC, announced that the commission has requested a certified copy of the judgment and will formulate an appropriate response once the ruling has been thoroughly examined.

In an official statement, the NBC acknowledged the court’s decision and emphasized its commitment to adhering to global best practices and legal ethics, which dictate that parties involved in a lawsuit should not comment on a judgment they have not yet seen or read.

The commission intends to appeal the judgment if it is found to conflict with previous court rulings that grant the NBC regulatory authority over broadcasting in Nigeria.