The National Broadcasting Commission is a parastatal of the Federal Government of Nigeria established by Section 1 of the National Broadcasting Commission Act, Cap. NII, laws of the Federation, 2004 and vested with the responsibilities of, amongst other things, regulating and controlling the broadcasting Industry in Nigeria.

The Act of the National Assembly empowers the Commission, to carry out a number of duties, some of which include, licensing monitoring, regulating and conducting research in broadcasting in Nigeria. It is also the duty of the Commission, to ensure the development, in a dynamic manner, through the accreditation of the mass communication curricula in all the tertiary and other institution related to broadcasting. The National Broadcasting Commission is mandated by Section 2 subsection (1) of Act No 38 of 1992 as amended by Act No 55. of 1999 to carry out the following functions;

  1. Advising the federal government, on the implementation of the National Mass Communication Policy, with particular reference to broadcasting;
  2. Receiving, processing and considering applications, for establishment, ownership or operation of Radio and Television stations including;
    • Cable Television Services, Direct Satellite Broadcast and any other medium of broadcasting.
    • Radio and Television stations owned established or operated by the Federal State And Local Government.
    • And stations run under private ownership.
  3. Recommending applications, through the Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, to the President, Commander-In-Chief of the Armed forces, for the grant of radio and television licenses;
  4. Regulating and controlling the broadcast industry;
  5. Receiving, Considering and investigating complaints from individual and bodies corporate, regarding the contents of a broadcasting station and the conduct of a broadcasting station;
  6. Establishing and disseminating a national broadcasting code and setting standards with regards to the contents and quality of materials for broadcast;
  7. Promoting Nigerian indigenous cultures, moral and community life through broadcasting;
  8. Promoting authenticated Radio and Television audience measurement and penetration;
  9. Etc.