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From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
The Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers’ Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU) has urged the Federal Government to protect indigenous media investors from the harsh economic environment and implement policies that will make the broadcasting sector thrive and survive.
President of RATTAWU, Emeka Kalu, made the call during courtesy visits to the management of DAAR Communications PLC, the Voice of Nigeria (VON) and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) in Abuja on Monday.
Kalu warned that without deliberate policy support, many Nigerian-owned media houses could be forced out of business by harsh economic realities, multiple charges and unfavourable regulations.
“We want to implore regulators and service providers to make it very friendly, very conducive, and very encouraging for our indigenous investors like DAAR Communications. Don’t run them out of business. Let us have a level playing ground in terms of economy, finance, charges and policy,” he said.
He commended DAAR Communications, owners of Africa Independent Television (AIT) and RayPower FM, for their resilience despite the difficult operating environment.
Welcoming the delegation, Acting Group Chief Executive Officer of DAAR Communications PLC, Marcel Anyalechi, assured the union that the welfare of staff remains a top priority for the company.
He added that the organisation works harmoniously with unions and maintains unbiased, authentic reporting.
On his part, Chairman of DAAR Communications PLC, Raymond Dokpesi Jr., noted that the media industry is in a transitional phase from analogue to digital broadcasting and requires supportive policies to operate effectively.
“We are working to safeguard free-to-air television and other platforms so that we can operate efficiently, pay a living wage and return value to shareholders. RATTAWU has always defended the rights of media workers, and we have confidence in the new leadership to take the industry forward,” Dokpesi said.
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At VON, Kalu emphasised the need for synergy between public and private broadcasters to strengthen professionalism and combat misinformation.
Responding, VON Director-General, Jibrin Ndace, described RATTAWU as a vital partner in repositioning Nigeria’s voice globally, pledging to work with the union to improve staff welfare and revive key broadcasting facilities.
The DG expressed his commitment to prioritizing workers’ welfare and rehabilitating the organisation
According to him, “My first, second and third priority is welfare. I was appointed at the time to fix Voice of Nigeria. And I’m very determined, unapologetic, and focused on achieving that.”
At the FRCN, Kalu praised the passion and competence of members from the corporation, describing them as the future of the union.
He called for stronger institutional backing for federal workers to take leadership positions in the union, stressing that competence and proven performance should outweigh regional or trade group considerations.
On his part, the FRCN Director-General, Dr. Muhammad Bulama, congratulated Kalu on his election and pledged the corporation’s support for RATTAWU’s vision.
“If you succeed, Radio Nigeria succeeds. We will do everything possible within our capacity for RATTAWU to thrive, not only in Radio Nigeria but across the country,” Bulama said.
The DG disclosed that chief executives of federal media agencies had jointly developed a new condition of service aimed at improving workers’ welfare and attracting top talent back into the industry.
He assured that the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria would continue to invest in staff training, upgrade equipment and push for better working conditions, noting that industrial harmony is key to achieving organisational goals.
