By Mercy Peter
The Federal Government says its ongoing investment in modern broadcast infrastructure is laying the foundation for a transformed public information system, with the completion of a world-class television studio at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and the renovation of the National Press Centre in Abuja.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the declaration on Monday after inspecting the newly completed NTA studio and the ongoing refurbishment of the National Press Centre at Radio House.
He said the projects underscore President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s determination to reposition government-owned media organisations through strategic investments in infrastructure, technology, equipment and personnel.
Describing the NTA facility as one of the finest on the continent, the minister said the project fulfills the President’s pledge to modernise Nigeria’s public broadcasting architecture.
“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 facility is part of a comprehensive upgrade programme extending beyond the NTA to other federal media organisations, including the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), the Voice of Nigeria (VON) and the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
According to the minister, the government is also procuring modern broadcast equipment for NTA stations nationwide to improve production quality and expand access to credible public information.
Idris said the transformation programme is not limited to physical infrastructure but also encompasses improved programming, innovation, professionalism and continuous capacity development for media personnel.
He noted that the administration’s renewed commitment to the Digital Switch Over (DSO) programme would complement the ongoing reforms by accelerating Nigeria’s migration to digital broadcasting.
“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 added that President Tinubu equally recognises the importance of investing in the welfare of workers across government-owned media organisations, stressing that sustainable reforms require motivated professionals alongside modern equipment.
Idris expressed satisfaction with the pace of work and said the facility is being redesigned into a modern media hub that will better serve journalists covering government activities.
He disclosed that the upgraded centre will feature world-class facilities, enhanced workspaces and high-speed internet connectivity to improve the working environment for media professionals.
“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 contractors handling the project to adhere strictly to the completion timeline, assuring that he would return for a final inspection before the official commissioning.
He maintained that the investments across government-owned media institutions are intended to strengthen public communication, improve the dissemination of credible information and align Nigeria’s public broadcasting system with international best practices.
Idris said the reforms represent a major step towards building modern, technology-driven media institutions capable of meeting the information needs of Nigerians while enhancing the country’s broadcasting standards.
