The Proscription of a Broadcasting Licence to Religious Organisations in Nigeria: The Constitutional Issues Arising

Abstract

This article critically reviews the provisions of section 10(a) of the Nigerian National Broadcasting Commission Act 1992 (the Act). The section provides for the proscription of issuance of a broadcasting licence to religious organisations. This article, through literature review, argues that the provision of the Act infringes the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) (the Constitution) in two ways. First, it impinges the institutional right to the freedom to practice and manifest religious expressions. Secondly, it contravenes the state’s constitutional obligation to make policies that would promote socioeconomic development of the country; thus, portraying as mere cosmetic, the extant economic and development policies of successive governments. The article contends that the provision of the Act is unfit in a constitutional and democratic society and economically not beneficial to Nigeria. The article concludes that the provision infringes on the freedom of religion of the citizens and runs contrary to a sustainable national economic growth policy. The article therefore recommends an amendment to the Act.