The Independent Broadcasters Association of Nigeria (IBAN) is to drag the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) before the court over the 2.5 percent levy Gross at source, Digital Switch Over (DSO) and amendment of the gross to net among other issues.
This is contained in a statement issued by the new Chairman of the IBAN (Dr) Ahmed Tijjani Ramalan;
According to him, the decision was agreed at the just concluded IBAN Emergency Extra-Ordinary General Meeting held on Friday 30th August, 2024 and formed part of its Communique.
Ramalan said “regarding the issue of the DSO take off and the Controversial 2.5% levy at Source being demanded by National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) from Broadcasters, IBAN resolved that the DG of NBC and the Honourable Minister for information and National Orientation Muhammed Idris should be approached for an Urgent meeting to resolve the DSO Issue with Set-Top Manufacturers and IBAN’s members Request for “Waiver” and the Urgent need to Review the NBC Code by All Stakeholders to amend the “GROSS” TO “NET of Incomes and other Issues of Disagreements”.
He added that “the meeting also agreed that the DG NBC be informed of the intricacies of his recent actions in view of the economic situations in the country as a result of government policies after which IBAN will approach the law courts challenging the action which is seen as double taxation and legality of the NBC Code which is in conflict with the Nigerian Constitution”.
Elected by consensus as Executive Council Members of IBAN at the emergency meeting along with Ramalan as Chairman, are: Tony Dara; Vice Chairman, Charles Maraizu Daniels; General Secretary, Kadaria Ahmed; Treasurer, Greg Odutayo; Publicity Secretary.
Others are Habib Fasinro; LegalAdviser, Fidelis Duker; Welfare/Logistics, Chinyere Igwe; Chairman South-South Zone , Azubuike Oshimili; Auditor, Christabel Cosmos; Chairman South-East Zone, Alhaji Shittu; North Central Zone , and Deji; South-West Zone.
Also elected via consensus as Board of Trustee (BOT) members are: John Momoh; Chairman, Osa Sonny Adun, Raymond Dokpesi Jnr., Ben Bruce, Sir Godfrey Ohuabunwa, Alhaji ahmed Tijjani Ramalan, Dr Hakeem Baba Ahmed, Mr Tony Dara, Toun Okenwale, Tatiana Mousali and Olalemi of TVC.
To make success of the Forth-Coming first Broadcasters Conference/Annual General Meeting (AGM), the following members were appointed into the committee: Greg Odutayo; Chairman, Victor Ogwezzy; Co- chairman, Tony Dara; member, Toun Okenwale, Deji, secretary, Debbie Izemoze, Charles Daniels, Jacob Idihen, Mukaila Ibrahim, and Engineer Banji, Mukaila Ibrahim, Omogbolahan Akinwumi as members