By Chimezie Godfrey
The Executive Chairman of ATAR Communications Nigeria Limited, Ahmed Tijjani Ramalan, has raised concerns over mounting operational challenges confronting Nigeria’s broadcasting industry, warning that rising costs, regulatory bottlenecks and shrinking advertising opportunities are threatening the survival of media organisations.
Speaking during a press conference, Ramalan reflected on his transition from the maritime sector into broadcasting, insisting that media investment was a deliberate and lifelong ambition.
“I am not an interloper. I am not on a trespass,” he said, explaining that different sectors of the economy remain interconnected.
Ramalan disclosed that his passion for broadcasting began during his studies in London, where he became inspired by leading radio stations, particularly Capitol Radio.
He later returned to Kaduna in 2011 to establish Liberty Radio 91.7 FM Kaduna after serving for eight years as a maritime labour regulator.
Describing the experience of securing a broadcasting licence in Nigeria, he said: “The process is steeped in politics, red tape, and luck.”
The media entrepreneur noted that despite initial difficulties, his media company has grown significantly over the last 15 years.
According to him, ATAR Communications Nigeria Limited now operates several platforms, including Liberty Television, Liberty Radio Abuja, Liberty Radio Kano, Tashar Yanci FM, as well as online publications such as Voice of Liberty and Muryar Yanci.
He also lamented what he described as the marginalisation of northern media operators within Nigeria’s advertising ecosystem.
“Few northern entities benefit, as some don’t even understand how to connect with Lagos-based rating and media buying agencies,” he said.
Ramalan further decried the harsh operating environment facing media organisations, citing high electricity costs, diesel prices and taxes as major burdens.
“I am still not delighted that more and more entities are shutting down,” he stated.
He revealed that Liberty Radio 91.7 FM Kaduna would commemorate its 15th anniversary this year with the second Liberty TVR Symposium scheduled to hold in Abuja on June 16.
Ramalan also highlighted the establishment of the Northern Broadcast Media Owners Association in 2014, noting that the platform was created to strengthen collaboration, content development and technical capacity among northern broadcast operators.
Tijjani Ramalan Laments Regulatory Bottlenecks, Rising Costs in Broadcast Industry
