CHAIRMAN of DAAR Communications Plc, Raymond Dokpesi Jr, has cautioned that the ongoing reform of the National Broadcasting Code risks political manipulation if private broadcasters are not given meaningful input.
Dokpesi, who raised the concern in Abuja yesterday while speaking to journalists on his bid to contest for chairmanship of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), argued that media independence could be compromised if the current system persists.

The Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC), last month, called for contributions from stakeholders towards a review of the Nigerian Broadcasting Code.
While claiming that the vagueness in the current Code creates opportunities for manipulation, Dokpesi wondered why the final authority to approve the Code rests with the Minister of Information rather than the general assembly of licensed broadcasters.
He said: “The NBC engages us in consultations, but after all the meetings, they often go back and finalise the code according to what they want. This does not always reflect broadcasters’ interests or will.”

“If someone with political influence is empowered to enforce the code, they can interpret it to serve their agenda. What is needed is clarification and standard operating procedures that protect broadcasters from arbitrary sanctions and uphold editorial independence.”
Dokpesi suggested that reforms should go beyond the code, calling for amendments to the NBC Act itself, which he said currently grants the minister ultimate approval.
He promised that if elected chairman of BON, he would prioritise bringing the industry together to address both traditional and digital broadcasting challenges.

Dokpesi said he would push for meaningful consultation with private broadcasters in the review of the NBC Code and Act, ensuring that regulations reflect the sector’s realities rather than being driven solely by government directives.
He added that strengthening self-regulation, establishing an industry ombudsman, and safeguarding free-to-air broadcasting from undue restrictions would be central to his agenda

According to Dokpesi, empowering the industry to have a real say in shaping the rules is essential to protecting media freedom and preventing political interference.
He also raised concerns over the unchecked influence of social media and digital platforms in the country.