The organisers of the Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Awards (NBMA) have officially opened nominations for the 7th edition of the awards, scheduled to hold in May 2026.

The NBMA is an annual platform dedicated to recognising excellence, professionalism, innovation, and societal impact in Nigeria’s broadcasting and media industry. The awards honour outstanding individuals, programs, stations, and organisations across radio, television, and digital media platforms.

Call for Nominations

Dr. Ahmed Tijjani Ramalan, Chairman of the Joint IBAN/NBMA Organising Committee, described the awards as a credible benchmark for excellence in broadcasting.

“The Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Awards was established to celebrate professionalism, creativity, and integrity in broadcasting. As the industry continues to evolve, NBMA remains committed to recognising those who consistently raise the bar and positively influence society through their work,” he said.

More Than 85 Award Categories

The 2026 edition will feature over 85 award categories, covering areas such as on-air presentation, programming, technical production, digital innovation, community impact, and special recognition awards.

New Categories for Youth and Digital Media

In a major development, the 7th NBMA will introduce new categories aimed at supporting youth development and reflecting modern media trends. These include:

  • Best Communication Student of the Year – recognising outstanding students of Mass Communication, Media Studies, Broadcasting, and related disciplines.
  • Undergraduate Broadcaster Category – for students actively involved in campus radio, television, and media production.
  • Online Content Creators Categories – honouring podcasters, streamers, and digital storytellers shaping Nigeria’s online media landscape.

Dr. Ramalan explained that the new categories were introduced to bridge the gap between traditional broadcasting and emerging digital platforms.

“We believe the future of broadcasting lies in nurturing young talents and embracing digital innovation. By introducing student and online content creator categories, NBMA is deliberately investing in the next generation of media professionals and acknowledging the growing influence of digital storytelling,” he said.

Nominations Window

Nominations are open from Sunday, January 30, 2026, to Tuesday, March 3, 2026, and can be submitted via the NBMA website.

The awards organisers have urged industry professionals, stakeholders, and the public to participate actively in the nomination process and support the celebration of excellence in Nigerian broadcasting.