FG charges NBC to suspend Big Brother Naija

The Federal Government (FG) has asked the Nigeria Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to suspend the broadcast of Big Brother Naija to forestall a possible spread of COVID19.

Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed gave this directive in a letter to the Acting Director General of NBC, Armstrong Idachaba, citing an advice from the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID19 pandemic.

The reality show which commenced its fifth season on July 20, is one of the most watched programmes on cable TV in Nigeria.

Gentechnews gathered that before the current edition of the reality show went on air, NBC had written to Multichoice, raising concerns about possible violations of COVID-19 protocols with the airing of the show.

Pundits have interpreted the letter as an indirect war against Multi- Choice Nigeria Limited, producers of the show.

However, it was learnt that MultiChoice, responded with detailed explanations on measures taken in partnership with the Lagos state government, whose agency, Lagos State Safety Commission, gave the green light for the show to commence.