Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, says the completion of a state-of-the-art television studio at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) headquarters and the ongoing refurbishment of the National Press Centre underscore the Federal Government’s commitment to modernising the country’s public media infrastructure.
Speaking after inspecting both facilities in Abuja, Idris said the projects reflect President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s broader agenda to strengthen government-owned media institutions and improve the delivery of public information services across Nigeria.
According to the minister, the newly completed NTA television studio ranks among the best broadcasting facilities in Nigeria and across Africa, representing a significant milestone in the government’s drive to equip public broadcasters with world-class technology.
“The completion of this facility fulfils President Tinubu’s promise to modernise Nigeria’s public broadcasting infrastructure. It is one of the finest television studios in the country and compares favourably with leading facilities on the continent,” Idris said.
He noted that the NTA project forms part of a comprehensive investment programme that also includes the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Voice of Nigeria, and News Agency of Nigeria, to upgrade broadcasting infrastructure to international standards.
Beyond physical infrastructure, Idris said the government’s reform agenda is focused on strengthening content production, promoting innovation, enhancing professionalism, and investing in workforce development across the country’s public media organisations.
He added that the ongoing rollout of modern broadcasting equipment to NTA stations nationwide, alongside similar investments in other state-owned media institutions, is expected to significantly improve the quality, efficiency and reach of public service broadcasting.
The minister also highlighted the recently relaunched Digital Switch Over (DSO) programme as another key component of Nigeria’s broadcasting transformation, describing it as a critical step towards building a modern and digitally enabled media landscape.
“The Digital Switch Over initiative, together with these infrastructure investments, marks the beginning of a new era for Nigeria’s broadcasting industry. Once the programme is fully implemented, Nigerians will experience a significantly transformed public broadcasting system,” he said.
Idris further reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving the welfare of employees within the information sector, stressing that meaningful reform requires sustained investment in both technology and human capital.
Following his visit to the NTA headquarters, the minister inspected renovation work at the National Press Centre in Abuja’s Radio House, expressing satisfaction with the progress made so far.
He said the upgraded facility is being developed into a modern media hub featuring world-class amenities and high-speed internet connectivity to better support journalists covering government activities and major national events.
“The National Press Centre should serve as Nigeria’s premier media hub. Our goal is to provide journalists with a modern, well-equipped and conducive working environment that enables them to perform their duties effectively,” Idris said.
He urged contractors to complete the project within the agreed timeframe, adding that he would conduct a final inspection before the facility is officially commissioned.
Idris concluded that the ongoing investments in public broadcasting infrastructure demonstrate President Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening government communication, promoting credible information dissemination and positioning Nigeria’s information sector to meet global broadcasting standards.
