The Federal Government is currently seeking the power to regulate internet content by broadcast stations and other online platforms.
This was the focus of a public hearing on a bill to amend the National Broadcasting Act, which was organsied by the House of Representatives Committee on Information, National Orientation, Ethics and Values.
The Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed who spoke at the public hearing, asked the National Assembly to extend the powers of the NBC to cover internet broadcasting and all online media in the country.
But stakeholders in the industry, including the Institute for Media and Society, International Press Centre, and the Centre for Media Law and Advocacy opposed the bill, saying it would obstruct the freedom of expression and press freedom.
However, Speaker of the House, Femi Gbajabiamila said when passed, the bill would influence the creation of media content in Nigeria.