LAGOS (Sundiata Post) – The Independent Broadcasting Association of Nigeria (IBAN) has inaugurated its new Board of Trustees and Executive Council members during a ceremony at the headquarters in Lagos.
Dr. John Momoh was sworn in as Chairman of the Board of Trustees, joined by Dr. Ahmed Tijani Ramalan, Lemi Olalemi, and Tony Dara as fellow board members.
In his opening remarks, IBAN Chairman, Dr. Ahmed Ramalan, said the future of Nigeria’s media industry hinges on stakeholders’ ability to collaborate effectively. He outlined IBAN’s plans for increased engagement with other key players in the industry.
Speaking at the event, the Director General of the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Charles Ebuebu, pledged NBC’s support for IBAN, emphasising the Commission’s commitment to an open dialogue with industry stakeholders. “We may not agree on everything, but we can agree to disagree,” he noted, highlighting the importance of cooperation despite differing perspectives.
The Chairman of Channels Media Group, addressed the need for traditional media platforms to adapt to the rapidly evolving digital landscape. He discussed the impact of digital disruption and declining advertising revenues on media organisations, noting that regulatory bodies should support, not hinder, the industry’s growth.
“One crucial area we must address is the NBC Code. Currently, it imposes restrictions that limit our competitiveness. We call on the National Broadcasting Commission to collaborate with us on a more supportive broadcasting code—one aligned with international standards and the unique needs of Nigerian broadcasters,” he stated.
The former Director General of the NBC, Prof Amstrong Idachaba, the guest speaker, focused more on the implementation and eventual failure of Digital Switch-Over project. “We can say there’s no transparency in the way the DSO was handled,” he said.
The former NBC DG recommends that the digiteam must be brought back, imploring IBAN to work with the NBC and other key stakeholders to address the complexities impeding the project.
IBAN aims to strengthen relationships among members, foster collaboration in production and training, drive innovation, facilitate knowledge exchange, and raise broadcasting standards across Nigeria.
