…Declares for BON Chairmanship

By Joseph Erunke, Abuja

Chairman of DAAR Communications Plc, Mr Raymond Dokpesi Jnr, has formally declared his intention to contest for the chairmanship of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), unveiling a comprehensive reform agenda aimed at revitalising Nigeria’s broadcast industry.

In a statement announcing his bid, Dokpesi described the broadcasting sector as being at a pivotal moment, noting that its future would depend on closer collaboration among private and public broadcasters, cable operators and emerging media entrepreneurs.

According to him, the objective is to build a sustainable and inclusive broadcast ecosystem that supports both established stations and new entrants, while repositioning the industry as a stronger contributor to national economic development.

Dokpesi acknowledged the challenges currently confronting broadcasters, particularly rising operational costs that have continued to outweigh profitability across the sector. He called on the government to give urgent attention to the industry, advocating a review of the structural, legislative and regulatory frameworks guiding broadcasting in Nigeria.

“We need the government to examine how to strengthen the structural, legislative and regulatory frameworks for our industry,” he said.

He outlined a vision to significantly expand the broadcast industry within the next three to five years, anchored on strategic pillars focused on protection, growth, ethics, inclusivity and long-term sustainability.

Among his proposals is the strengthening of national information capacity and the economic viability of free-to-air broadcasters, public service stations, local content creators and indigenous operators through policies that promote fair competition, responsible content dissemination and industry stability.

Dokpesi also proposed accelerated growth through digitisation, improved spectrum efficiency, innovation driven by artificial intelligence and social media integration, as well as incentives such as tax reliefs and the establishment of a Free-to-Air Development Fund to support content creation and infrastructure.

On relations between broadcasters and regulators, particularly the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), he advocated ethical content standards and industry-led self-regulation to promote professionalism, accuracy and constructive engagement.

His agenda further includes expanding access to broadcasting by promoting gender balance, youth participation, regional representation and extending services to rural and underserved communities through inclusive programming initiatives.

On sustainability, Dokpesi said the plan aims to reduce operational costs through eco-friendly practices and workforce development, alongside improved audience measurement systems to enhance advertiser confidence.

He noted that DAAR Communications has begun implementing elements of this approach, citing improvements in the company’s market performance since the introduction of a new executive management team.

Dokpesi expressed confidence that his experience and collaborative, reform-driven approach could help reposition Nigeria’s broadcast industry for sustainable growth if elected BON chairman.