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. The meeting, which ended on Monday, brought together leaders of media councils and regulatory bodies from across Africa to discuss independent media regulation, accountability, governance, and sustainability. Facah's election was a major highlight of the gathering.
The Assembly considered various issues, including NIMCA's constitutional framework, membership obligations, financial sustainability, and mechanisms for responding to growing threats to journalists, media freedom, and independent media institutions across the continent. NIMCA Board Chairperson, Dr. Phathiswa Magopeni, expressed concern over the deteriorating media environment in parts of Africa, citing increasing incidents of violence, censorship, internet shutdowns, restrictive legislation, and the displacement of journalists in several countries.
Founded in 2024, NIMCA 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. This platform will enable Facah to contribute to continental conversations on media standards, self-regulation, and professional responsibility.
Facah's election places Nigeria within the leadership structure of the emerging continental network and highlights the role of the Nigerian Press Council (NPC) in promoting professional and ethical journalism and strengthening media accountability in Nigeria. The Nigerian Press Council 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.
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 thanked the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Press Council, Dr. Dili Ezughah, for the opportunity to represent the country. Facah resolved to work diligently to make both Nigeria and the Nigerian Press Council proud.
The newly constituted NIMCA Board 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 and the Nigerian Press Council with an opportunity to contribute its experience to wider continental discussions on media standards.
For Nigeria, Facah's election provides a new platform for the Nigerian Press Council to contribute to continental conversations on the future of media regulation and professional standards in Africa. Her representation on the NIMCA Board will enable Nigeria to play a key role in shaping the future of media regulation and professional standards in Africa.
Key points
- Chinyere Facah's election to the NIMCA Board highlights Nigeria's role in promoting professional and ethical journalism in Africa.
