By Our Reporter
Alhaji Muhammed Idris,
Minister of Information and National Orientation, has commended the completion of a world-class television studio at the headquarters of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and the ongoing renovation of the National Press Centre in Abuja, describing the projects as evidence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to modernising Nigeria’s public information infrastructure.
Speaking after inspecting the facilities on Monday in Abuja, Idris said the projects form part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to reposition government-owned media organisations for efficient public service broadcasting and information dissemination.
According to the minister, the newly completed NTA studio ranks among the best broadcast facilities in Nigeria and across 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,” he said.
Idris explained that the investment is part of a wider modernisation 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).
He praised the management and staff of the NTA for supporting the transformation process, noting that the reforms extend beyond infrastructure to include improvements in content development, professionalism, innovation and human capacity development.
The minister also disclosed that the Federal Government is procuring modern broadcast equipment for NTA stations nationwide, alongside similar investments in other government-owned media organisations to improve public service broadcasting across the country.
On the Digital Switch Over (DSO) programme, Idris described its recent relaunch as a significant milestone in the ongoing 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 further stated that President Tinubu remains committed to improving the welfare of workers in the information sector, stressing that the administration recognises the importance of investing in both infrastructure and personnel.
Following his inspection of the NTA headquarters, Idris 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,” the minister said.
He urged the contractors handling the project to complete the renovation within the stipulated timeframe, adding that he would conduct a final inspection before its commissioning.
Idris reiterated that the ongoing upgrades across government-owned media institutions reflect the Federal Government’s resolve to strengthen public communication, promote credible information dissemination and reposition Nigeria’s information sector to meet global standards.
