Mnena Iyorkegh, Abuja
Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said the newly completed world-class television studio at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Headquarters and the ongoing upgrade of the National Press Centre demonstrate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to modernising Nigeria’s public information infrastructure.
The minister made the remarks after inspecting the facilities in Abuja, describing the projects as part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to reposition government-owned media organisations for improved public service broadcasting and more effective information dissemination across the country.
“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,” he said.
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Idris explained that the new NTA studio forms part of a wider investment 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), aimed at equipping the organisations with modern facilities that meet global broadcasting standards.
He commended the management and staff of the NTA for supporting the transformation, noting that the reform agenda extends beyond infrastructure to improving content, professionalism, innovation and human capacity development.
According to the minister, the ongoing procurement of modern broadcast equipment for NTA stations nationwide, alongside similar investments in other government media organisations, will significantly enhance the quality and reach of public service broadcasting.
Idris also described the recently relaunched Digital Switch Over (DSO) programme as a major milestone in the Federal Government’s drive to modernise 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.
He further disclosed that President Tinubu remains committed to improving the welfare of workers in the information sector, stressing that sustainable reforms require investment in both infrastructure and personnel.
Following his inspection of the NTA Headquarters, the minister visited the National Press Centre at Radio House, where he expressed satisfaction with the progress of the ongoing renovation.
He said the upgraded National Press Centre would serve 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,” Idris said.
The minister urged the contractors handling the project to complete the renovation within the stipulated timeline, noting that he would return for a final inspection before the facility is commissioned.
He reiterated that the ongoing upgrades across government-owned media institutions reflect President Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening public communication, promoting credible information dissemination and repositioning Nigeria’s information sector to meet international standards.
