DAAR Communications chairman calls for national emergency to safeguard Nigeria’s broadcasting industry

Raymond Dokpesi Jr., Chairman of DAAR Communications, has called on the Federal Government to declare a national emergency for Nigeria’s broadcasting sector, warning that unsustainable economics, regulatory obstacles, and digital disruption threaten the industry.

Dokpesi Jr. made the call while formally declaring his candidacy for the chairmanship of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) recently in Abuja.

The son of the late DAAR Communications founder said the industry stands at a critical point and urged all stakeholders to work together to protect its future.

“The time to evolve is now. We cannot keep competing for scraps; instead, we must collaborate to create greater prosperity for the sector,” he said.

He noted that his decision to contest for BON’s leadership follows the organisation’s rotational system, which ensures representation across private, public, cable, and emerging broadcasters.

Dokpesi Jr. outlined a five-point plan to grow Nigeria’s broadcasting industry tenfold within three to five years.

The first pillar focuses on safeguarding national information sovereignty and defending free-to-air broadcasters, public service media, and local content creators from unfair competition, misinformation, and external threats.

“Our airwaves must be secured through data localisation, content quotas, and Must Carry mandates,” he said, noting the importance of these measures for Nigeria’s cultural and security interests.

The other four pillars focus on driving economic growth through digitisation and innovation, promoting ethical content and self-regulation, improving access for women, youth, and underserved communities, and fostering technologies to reduce costs and increase resilience.

“Why impose punitive regulations when compliance can be encouraged through incentives?” he asked.

Citing DAAR Communications’ experience, Dokpesi Jr. said internal reforms have already produced results.

“After tough decisions, our share price has risen 600 to 750 percent—but this is only the beginning,” he said.

He also addressed media freedom, noting that broadcasters are advocating clearer rules for reporting national security issues while leaving libel and slander matters under existing laws.

“Broadcasting has a constitutional role in holding government accountable. The NBC Code should not be used to muzzle the media,” he said.

Dokpesi Jr. called for updates to the National Broadcasting Commission Act, noting that the current law still reflects restrictions from the military era.

“BON represents all broadcasters—public, private, cable, and satellite. Fairness must guide our actions,” he added.

He confirmed his openness to dialogue with other candidates, including former DAAR Group MD Tony Akiotu, but stressed that leadership should be based on vision and competence, not ethnicity or seniority.

“This sector needs clarity, actionable ideas, and a clear plan for the future. That is what I bring to the table,” he concluded, urging all broadcasters to unite and reclaim Nigeria’s airwaves.