Nigeria's Mrs. Chinyere Reginald Facah has been elected to the Board of the Network of Independent Media Councils in Africa (NIMCA) at the organisation's inaugural Assembly and Second Annual General Meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa. The event, which concluded on Monday, September 19, 2026, brought together leaders of media councils and regulatory bodies from across Africa. Facah's election was a major highlight of the gathering, which focused on independent media regulation, accountability, governance, and sustainability.
The Assembly, which opened on September 14, 2026, discussed various issues, including NIMCA's constitutional framework, membership obligations, financial sustainability, and mechanisms for responding to threats to journalists, media freedom, and independent media institutions. NIMCA Board Chairperson, Dr. Phathiswa Magopeni, expressed concern over the deteriorating media environment in parts of Africa, citing incidents of violence, censorship, and restrictive legislation in countries such as Zambia, Tanzania, and Sudan.
Dr. Magopeni emphasized the importance of strong and credible media councils in promoting responsible journalism, protecting public trust, and strengthening the relationship between press freedom and accountability. She highlighted that independent media councils safeguard public trust, credible information, and human rights. Magopeni's remarks underscored the need for African media institutions to work together in defending professional standards and independent regulation.
NIMCA, founded in 2024, provides a continental platform for independent media councils to share experiences, strengthen professional standards, and promote effective systems of media self-regulation. The network has developed a constitutional framework, partnered with UNESCO on inclusive media standards, and established relationships with regional and international partners. Nigeria's participation in NIMCA through Facah's election demonstrates the country's commitment to promoting professional and ethical journalism.
Facah's election to the NIMCA Board highlights the role of the Nigerian Press Council (NPC) in promoting professional and ethical journalism and strengthening media accountability in Nigeria. The NPC is the statutory body responsible for promoting and upholding professional standards in the Nigerian press. Through its mandate, the Council provides a framework for media accountability and ethical journalism while encouraging the press to maintain its responsibility to the public.
In her acceptance remarks, Facah expressed gratitude to the Assembly for the confidence placed in her and pledged to contribute meaningfully to the work of NIMCA. She vowed to work diligently to make both Nigeria and the Nigerian Press Council proud. Facah also thanked the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Press Council, Dr. Dili Ezughah, for the opportunity to represent the country on the NIMCA Board.
The newly constituted NIMCA Board, with Facah as a member, is expected to lead the organisation into its next phase, with emphasis on strengthening independent media regulation, promoting ethical journalism, enhancing accountability, and deepening cooperation among African media councils. This development provides Nigeria with a new platform to contribute to continental conversations on the future of media regulation and professional standards in Africa.
Key points
- Chinyere Facah's election to the NIMCA Board highlights Nigeria's commitment to promoting professional and ethical journalism.
