The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said the ongoing upgrade of government-owned media organisations demonstrates President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to modernising Nigeria’s public broadcasting and information infrastructure.
Idris stated this on Monday after inspecting the newly completed television studio at the headquarters of the Nigerian Television Authority in Abuja, as well as the ongoing renovation of the National Press Centre.
The minister, according to a statement by his Special Assistant (Media), Rabiu Ibrahim, said the projects formed part of the Federal Government’s efforts to reposition public media institutions for improved service delivery and credible information dissemination.
He described the newly completed NTA television studio as one of the best broadcast facilities in Nigeria and Africa.
“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 noted that the project was part of a broader investment programme covering the NTA, the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, the Voice of Nigeria and the News Agency of Nigeria.
The minister commended the management and staff of the NTA for supporting the ongoing transformation, saying the reforms extend beyond physical infrastructure to include improved content, professionalism, innovation and human capacity development.
He added that the procurement of modern broadcast equipment for NTA stations nationwide, alongside similar investments in other government-owned media organisations, would enhance public service broadcasting across the country.
Speaking on the recently relaunched Digital Switch Over programme, Idris described it as a major milestone in the reform of 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 also said President Tinubu remained committed to improving the welfare of workers in the information sector, stressing that the administration recognised the need to invest in both infrastructure and personnel.
After inspecting the NTA facilities, Idris visited the National Press Centre at Radio House, where he expressed satisfaction with the pace of renovation work.
He said the upgraded facility would function as a modern media hub equipped with world-class facilities and high-speed internet connectivity to support journalists covering government activities and national events.
“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.
The minister urged the contractors handling the project to deliver it within the stipulated timeline, adding that he would return for a final inspection before its commissioning.
He reiterated that the ongoing upgrades across government-owned media institutions underscored the Federal Government’s determination to strengthen public communication, promote credible information dissemination and reposition Nigeria’s information sector to meet global standards.
