Proposed Legislation Seeks to Establish Regulatory Council for Out-of-Home Media Practitioners in Nigeria
The Senate has passed the Chartered Out-of-Home Media Practitioners of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2026, paving the way for the creation of a regulatory body for practitioners in Nigeria’s out-of-home media industry.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, who represents Abia South Senatorial District, was passed on Thursday after lawmakers considered and adopted the report of the Joint Committee on Establishment and Public Service Matters, Information and National Orientation, and Media and Public Affairs.
The proposed legislation seeks to regulate the practice of out-of-home media, promote professionalism and provide a legal framework for the country’s outdoor advertising industry.
Presenting the committee’s report, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Establishment and Public Service Matters, Senator Cyril Fasuyi, described the bill as timely, well-conceived and in the national interest.
Fasuyi said the joint committees thoroughly examined the bill and consulted relevant stakeholders before recommending its passage.
“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,” he said.
He urged lawmakers to adopt the committee’s report and support the legislation, which was subsequently considered by the Senate in the Committee of the Whole before being passed through a voice vote.
Speaking after the passage of the bill, Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the legislation would promote professionalism and accountability within Nigeria’s media landscape.
“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,” Akpabio said.
He commended members of the Senate for supporting the bill, expressing confidence that the legislation would contribute to national development.
The bill will proceed to the House of Representatives for concurrence before being transmitted to President Bola Tinubu for assent in line with the legislative process.
IBN News will continue to monitor the progress of the bill and provide updates on its implementation.
