The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has revoked the operational broadcast licences of the Africa Independent Television (AIT), Silverbird, Raypower FM, Rhythm FM and 48 others.

The NBC, through Mallam Balarabe Shehu, its director general, said the licences of the 52 stations were revoked over their debts to the regulatory commission.

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In a statement made on Friday while briefing journalists, the director general said the stations owed the commission dues to the tune of N2.6 billion.

He dismissed the fact that there were political motivations for the revocations. He said the erring stations had been warned in May to pay whatever they were owing the commission and to either renew their licences or have them withdrawn.

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He said the stations flouted the order of the NBC, hence the withdrawal of their licences

“Therefore, after due consideration, the NBC hereby announces the revocation of the licenses of the under-listed 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,” he said.