A bill has been presented to the Nigeria’s House of Representatives floor and it is going through its second reading, it is aimed at strengthening the National Broadcast Commission and making broadcasting more competitive in the country
The Nation reports that, the bill which was sponsored by Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Nnena Elendu- Ukeje, is titled ” a bill for an Act to amend the National Broadcast Commission Act cap N11, laws of the federation of Nigeria, 2014, to provide for competition in Nigeria, promote efficiency and Expand opportunities for Nigerians’ participation in world markets while at the same time recognize the role of foreign completion in Nigeria, and for other matters related thereto.”
According to Ukeje, the bill will prevent price or rate fixing, price discrimination , restrictive exclusive content, abuse of dominant market position, and unconstitutional boycotting.
“this is one sector that does not suffer from customer ignorance as this sector has been subject to motions/ petitions on the floor of parliament and litigations in the court of law.
“Justice Chukwujeku Aneke of the a federal High Court had on May 28th 2015 dismissed a suit against DSTV over increase in subscription fees as Nigeria is yet to have a codified set of rules promoting competition in that market.
“Competition laws exist under different names in different climes. From antitrust law in the US to anti monopoly laws in China and Russia, and Trade law in the UK and Australia, the underlying factor for these laws us consumer protection,” she said.
The bill passed through second reading without debate when the Speaker, Hon. Yakubu Dogara called for a voice vote.
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