Chairman of DAAR Communications Plc, owners of African Independent Television (AIT) and Raypower Radio, Mr. Raymond Dokpesi Jr., has formally declared his intention to contest the chairmanship of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), pledging wide-ranging reforms aimed at modernising and stabilising the country’s broadcasting industry.
Dokpesi Jr. made the declaration at DAAR Communications’ headquarters in Abuja, where he described Nigeria’s broadcasting sector as being at a “critical crossroads,” grappling with mounting economic pressures, rapid digital disruption and regulatory challenges.
He stressed the need for greater unity among broadcasters, warning that fragmentation could undermine the sustainability of the industry at a time when coordinated action is most needed.
Highlighting BON’s long-standing principle of rotational leadership, Dokpesi Jr. said the practice promotes inclusivity and equitable representation across public and private broadcasters, as well as cable, satellite and emerging platforms. According to him, rotational leadership ensures that operators of all sizes have a sense of belonging and a shared stake in the future of the industry.
On regulation, Dokpesi Jr. called for a balanced and forward-looking framework, arguing that while regulatory oversight is necessary—particularly on issues of national security and emergency broadcasting—excessive control should not erode press freedom. He advocated a comprehensive review of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) Act, describing it as largely inherited from the military era and no longer suited to the realities of a modern, digital-driven media landscape.
He proposed a shift away from punitive regulatory measures towards incentives, collaboration and self-regulation as more effective tools for improving professional standards and industry compliance.
Dokpesi Jr. also raised concerns over what he described as the increasingly unsustainable economics of broadcasting in Nigeria. He urged government intervention and the development of new funding and support models to help broadcasters survive and grow. He outlined strategies to attract investment, accelerate digitisation and encourage innovation as pathways to long-term viability.
Outlining his vision for BON, Dokpesi Jr. identified five key pillars of his agenda: safeguarding national information sovereignty, promoting ethical and responsible content, enhancing inclusivity and accessibility, driving innovation through technology, and ensuring sustainable industry growth. He said reforms already implemented at DAAR Communications demonstrate that these approaches can create value and resilience across the broadcasting ecosystem.
He concluded by calling on broadcasters to embrace unity, deepen strategic engagement with government and regulators, and pursue forward-looking innovation to secure the future of Nigerian broadcasting.
