The Lagos State Government has suspended the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Film and Video Censors (LSFVCB), Bamidele Balogun.
A statement signed on Friday by the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, disclosed that Balogun was suspended over an authorised policy demanding a 5% levy on all audio and visual contents produced in the state.
Omotoso said the 5 per cent levy on audio and visual content being demanded by LSFVCB was never approved by the state government.
“There is no levy on Audio and Visual contents of all Physical and digital platforms in Lagos State.
“The Government hereby dissociates itself from the said announcement in the media.
“The Executive Secretary, who was not authorised to make such an announcement, has been suspended, pending an administrative enquiry,” Omotoso said.
Balogun, had in a notice dated August 31, directed iROKOtv, a digital streaming platform to pay a 5% levy “on all audio and visual contents produced, sold, distributed, marketed, exhibited, streamed, downloaded and shared across all physical and digital platform situate lying and being within Lagos State.”
The Commissioner however emerged all stakeholders in the entertainment industry to disregard the publication, adding that it would be insensitive to impose a levy on the industry at a time their activities have been adversely affected by the coronavirus pandemic.