Dokpesi Jr. Declares BON Chairmanship Bid, Unveils Reform Agenda for Broadcasting
Chairman of DAAR Communications Plc, owners of African Independent Television (AIT) and Raypower Radio, Raymond Dokpesi Jr. has declared his intention to contest the chairmanship of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), pledging wide-ranging reforms to modernise 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” due to economic pressures, rapid digital disruption and regulatory constraints.
He stressed that greater unity among broadcasters is essential to ensure the sustainability and growth of the industry.
Highlighting BON’s principle of rotational leadership, Dokpesi Jr. said the system promotes inclusivity by giving public, private, cable, satellite and emerging broadcasters a sense of ownership and representation. “Rotation gives all operators, regardless of size, a sense of belonging and a stake in the industry’s future,” he said.
On regulation, he called for a balanced approach, noting that while oversight is necessary for issues such as national security and emergency broadcasting, excessive control must not erode press freedom.
He also urged a review of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) Act, which he described as a legacy of the military era, advocating a shift from punitive sanctions to incentives and self-regulation to raise industry standards.
Dokpesi Jr. warned that the current economics of broadcasting in Nigeria are becoming unsustainable, calling for government intervention and innovative funding models to support the sector. He proposed measures to attract investment, accelerate digitisation and encourage innovation to secure long-term viability.
Outlining his vision for BON, he identified five key pillars: safeguarding national information sovereignty, promoting ethical content, improving inclusivity and accessibility, driving innovation through technology, and ensuring sustainable growth. He cited reforms at DAAR Communications as examples of how such strategies can deliver value across the industry.
He called on broadcasters to embrace unity, strategic engagement with government and forward-looking innovation to secure the future of Nigerian broadcasting.
