← All operating procedures
Sector licencesMediaNigeria

Obtain a broadcasting licence (NBC)

License a radio/TV or satellite broadcasting station with the National Broadcasting Commission: request & buy the form → submit feasibility & business plan → processing and approval → pay the category licence fee (5-year term).

Procedure
4steps
Coordination
2agencies
Category
Sector licencesMedia
Task links

Go to the exact next page

Application, requirements, forms, fees, and tracking are labelled separately.

Routing map

Who you will deal with

National Broadcasting Commission (NBC)NBC → Minister → President
Procedure

The steps, in order

Each route below is scoped to the step it can actually complete.

  1. 01

    Request and purchase the application form

    Agency
    National Broadcasting Commission (NBC)
    What is required
    Write to the Director-General to request approval to buy the application form; on approval purchase it (₦50,000) at an NBC zonal office. Applicant must be a CAMA-registered body with majority Nigerian shareholding.
    Documents
    CAC incorporation; letter to the DG; ₦50,000 form fee
    Typical timeline
    Application stage
  2. 02

    Submit application with feasibility study

    Agency
    National Broadcasting Commission (NBC)
    What is required
    Submit the completed form with a business feasibility study and business plan for the proposed station (category: FTA radio/TV, cable/MMDS, DBS, DTH, community).
    Documents
    Feasibility study; business plan; technical proposal
    Typical timeline
    Processing
  3. 03

    Processing and approval

    Agency
    NBC → Minister → President
    What is required
    The Commission processes the application and recommends it through the Minister of Information to the President for approval.
    Documents
    Submitted application
    Typical timeline
    Council/ministerial cycle
  4. 04

    Pay the licence fee and commence

    Agency
    National Broadcasting Commission (NBC)
    What is required
    Pay the category licence fee for a 5-year term (e.g. MMDS Cat A ₦5m / Cat B ₦4m; DBS single channel ₦10m). Meet local-content rules (60% TV, 80% radio). Renew ≥6 months before expiry.
    Documents
    Licence-fee payment
    Typical timeline
    5-year term
Sector licences