Tinubu modernising Nigeria’s public broadcasting sector — Information Minister

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is transforming Nigeria’s public broadcasting sector through major investments in modern infrastructure, including a state-of-the-art television studio at the headquarters of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and the ongoing renovation of the National Press Centre in Abuja.

Idris made the remarks on Monday after inspecting the facilities, describing the projects as landmark investments that demonstrate the Federal Government’s commitment to repositioning public media institutions and strengthening the country’s information infrastructure.

According to the minister, the newly completed NTA television studio ranks among the finest broadcast facilities in Africa and fulfils President Tinubu’s promise to modernise Nigeria’s public broadcasting system.

“What we have seen today is the fulfilment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s promise to modernise Nigeria’s public broadcasting facilities. This is one of the best studios in Nigeria and among the finest on the African continent,” Idris said.

He explained that the ultra-modern studio forms part of a comprehensive upgrade programme covering the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), the Voice of Nigeria (VON) and the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

The minister noted that the reform programme extends beyond physical infrastructure to include the procurement of modern broadcasting equipment, improved programme content, enhanced professionalism, innovation and continuous capacity building for media personnel.

Idris commended the management and staff of the NTA for supporting the ongoing reforms, expressing confidence that the investments would significantly improve public service broadcasting across the country.

He also linked the projects to the Federal Government’s renewed Digital Switch Over (DSO) programme, describing it as a major milestone for Nigeria’s broadcasting industry.

“The Digital Switch Over and the investments in modern broadcast infrastructure are opening a new chapter for Nigeria’s information sector. By the time this reform programme is completed, Nigerians will witness a truly transformed public broadcasting system,” he said.

The minister further stated that President Tinubu remains committed to improving the welfare of workers in the information sector, stressing that meaningful reforms require sustained investment in both infrastructure and human capital.

During his visit to the National Press Centre at Radio House in Abuja, Idris expressed satisfaction with the pace of renovation work, saying the facility would soon become Nigeria’s premier media hub with world-class infrastructure and high-speed internet connectivity.

He said the upgraded centre would provide journalists covering government activities and national events with a modern, technology-driven environment that promotes professionalism and supports effective news gathering.

“The National Press Centre must fulfil its mandate as Nigeria’s foremost media hub. It is being redesigned to provide journalists with a conducive environment and modern facilities to carry out their professional responsibilities effectively,” he said.

Idris urged the contractors handling the project to complete the work within the agreed timeline, assuring that he would carry out a final inspection before the facility is commissioned.

He maintained that the ongoing modernisation of government-owned media organisations reflects the Tinubu administration’s commitment to strengthening public communication, improving the credibility of information dissemination and positioning Nigeria’s information sector to meet global standards.