The Senate approved the Chartered Out-of-Home Media Practitioners of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill 2026, which establishes a regulatory body for professionals in the country’s out-of-home media sector.
Lawmakers passed the bill on Thursday after reviewing and adopting the report of the Joint Committee on Establishment and Public Service Matters, Information and National Orientation, and Media and Public Affairs. Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe of Abia South sponsored the piece of legislation.
The proposed legislation seeks to regulate the activity, promote professionalism, and provide a legal framework for the out-of-home advertising sector.
The bill passed its second reading before the Senate sent it to the joint committees for further legislative review.
Cyril Fasuyi, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Establishment and Public Service Matters, presented the findings and stated that the well-thought-out measure would benefit the country.
Fasuyi noted that the committees thoroughly reviewed the legislation and consulted with relevant stakeholders before making their recommendation.
He said, “The bill sponsored by our Most Distinguished Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe was read for the first and second times and subsequently referred to the joint committees for further legislative consideration.”
“Having carefully considered the provisions of the bill and the views of stakeholders, the joint committees are satisfied that the bill is well conceived, timely, and in the national interest.
“Accordingly, the joint committee respectfully recommends that the senate do pass the Chartered Out-of-Home Media Practitioners of Nigeria Establishment Bill, as amended.”
Additionally, Fasuyi urged the senators to support the legislation’s approval and adopt the report.
Subsequently, the Senate resolved into a committee of the whole, reviewed the report, and passed the bill following a voice vote.
‘Bill To Bring Sanity’
Reacting to the bill, Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the legislation would promote professionalism in the media space.
He said, “This will bring sanity and order for those who practice journalism even in their homes. Because some breaking news can break the country and even some homes.”
“I thank my colleagues for their contribution. I thank the senate for this bold step, and I pray that this will advance development in our country.”
Backstory
Meanwhile, this comes amid growing concerns over the rapid expansion of online broadcasting and digital content creation in Nigeria.
In recent years, the rise of podcasts, YouTube channels, internet radio, livestreaming platforms and other home-based media outlets has transformed how Nigerians consume news and entertainment, but it has also raised questions about misinformation, hate speech, defamation and professional standards.
Regulators, including the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), have repeatedly argued that existing broadcasting laws were designed for traditional radio and television stations and do not adequately address the realities of digital media.
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