Nigeria: Information Bill - NBC Warns Broadcasters

[ganpat1956]

Following the passage of the freedom of Information bill, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has warned broadcasters to operate within the context of its codes.

NBC Acting Director-General Bayo Atoyebi gave the warning in Abuja.

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The bill, passed in November, 2006 by the Senate stipulates that every citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, has a legally enforceable right to, and shall on application be given access to any record under the control of a government or public institution.

Atoyebi, however, emphasised that the development was not a license for broadcasters to violate NBC codes, stressing that "freedom is not absolute" as certain information remained classified.

He said the bill would enhance journalism practice in the country, and also place responsibility on broadcasters and information managers.

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