By| Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has hailed 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 both projects as a testament to 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 strategy to reposition government-owned media organisations for efficient public service broadcasting and effective information dissemination.
According to the minister, the newly completed NTA studio ranks among the best broadcast facilities in Africa and reflects the fulfilment of President Tinubu’s promise to upgrade Nigeria’s public broadcasting infrastructure.
He explained that the investments are not limited to the NTA but also extend to the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), the Voice of Nigeria (VON) and the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), as part of a comprehensive programme to strengthen government media institutions.
Idris commended the management and staff of the NTA for supporting the transformation process, noting that the reforms go beyond physical infrastructure to include improved content delivery, professionalism, innovation and human capacity development.
He disclosed that the Federal Government is procuring modern broadcast equipment for NTA stations across the country, saying the initiative would significantly enhance public service broadcasting nationwide.
The minister also described the recently relaunched Digital Switch Over (DSO) programme as a major milestone in Nigeria’s broadcasting sector, adding that it complements ongoing investments aimed at transforming the nation’s information ecosystem.
He expressed confidence that the reforms would deliver a modern, efficient and globally competitive public broadcasting system capable of meeting the information needs of Nigerians.
On staff welfare, Idris said President Tinubu’s administration recognises the importance of investing not only in infrastructure but also in the workforce driving the nation’s information sector.
The minister later inspected the ongoing renovation of the National Press Centre at Radio House, Abuja, where he expressed satisfaction with the pace of work.
He said the upgraded facility 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.
According to him, the revamped National Press Centre is being redesigned to provide media professionals with a conducive working environment that enhances productivity and supports effective news reporting.
Idris urged the contractors handling the project to ensure timely completion, assuring that he would undertake a final inspection before the facility is commissioned.
He reaffirmed that the ongoing upgrades across government-owned media institutions underscore the Tinubu administration’s resolve to strengthen public communication, promote credible information dissemination and reposition Nigeria’s information sector to meet international standards.
