The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has wielded the big stick as it has revoked the broadcast licences of Silverbird TV, AIT, Raypower FM, and Rhythm FM amongst others.
This, according to the Commission, is over their failure to renew their broadcast licences amounting to N2.66 billion.
The closure is meant to take effect after twenty four hours.
In a statement, the Commission said these broadcast organisations, which list was published among stations yet to renew their licences, ignored the window of waiver that was expected to put them in the clear.
“Three months after the publication, some licensees are yet to pay their outstanding debts, in contravention of the National Broadcasting Commission Act CAP N11, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, particularly section 10(a) of the third schedule of the Act,” the statement said.
“Therefore, after due consideration, NBC hereby announces the revocation of the licenses of the…stations and gives them 24 hours to shut down their operations. Our offices nationwide are hereby directed to collaborate with security agencies to ensure immediate compliance.”
As at the time of filling this report, the stations were still broadcasting.