Some breaking news can break the country, says Akpabio as Senate passes bill to regulate Nigeria’s out-of-home media industry

The Senate has passed the Chartered Out-of-Home Media Practitioners of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2026, seeking to establish a regulatory body for practitioners in Nigeria’s out-of-home media industry.

The bill, sponsored by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, representing Abia South, 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 is designed to regulate the practice of out-of-home media, promote professionalism, and provide a legal framework for the industry.

The bill had earlier scaled second reading before it was referred to the joint committees for further legislative scrutiny.

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.

According to Fasuyi, the committees thoroughly examined the bill and consulted relevant stakeholders before making their recommendation.

“The bill sponsored by our Most Distinguished Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe was read for the first and second times and subsequently referred to the joint committees for further legislative consideration.

“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.

“Accordingly, the joint committee respectfully recommends that the Senate do pass the Chartered Out-of-Home Media Practitioners of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, as amended,” he said.

He urged lawmakers to adopt the report and approve the legislation.

The Senate subsequently dissolved into the Committee of the Whole, considered the report clause by clause, and passed the bill through a voice vote.

Speaking after its passage, Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the legislation would strengthen professionalism within Nigeria’s media industry.

“This will bring sanity and order for those who practise journalism, even in their homes. Because some breaking news can break the country and even some homes,” Akpabio said.

“I thank my colleagues for their contributions. I thank the Senate for this bold step, and I pray that this will advance development in our country.”

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