Information minister hails NTA’s rebranded studio, National Press Centre upgrade

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has expressed satisfaction with the newly completed world-class television studio at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Headquarters and the ongoing upgrade of the National Press Centre.

He described both projects as clear evidence of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to modernising Nigeria’s public information infrastructure.

The minister made the remarks on Monday after inspecting the facilities in Abuja.

According to him, the investments form part of Federal Government’s broader efforts to reposition government-owned media organisations to deliver quality public service broadcasting and information to Nigerians.

He said “what we have seen today is the fulfilment of President Bola 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 noted that the newly completed NTA studio ranks among the best broadcast facilities in Africa.

He added that the studio was part of a broader investment programme across the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), the Voice of Nigeria (VON) and the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

The minister commended the management and staff of the NTA for supporting the transformation process, adding that the reforms extend beyond infrastructure to improved content, professionalism, innovation and human capacity development.

He said the ongoing procurement of modern broadcast equipment for NTA stations nationwide, alongside investments in other government media organisations, would significantly improve public service broadcasting across the country.

Idris also described the recently relaunched Digital Switch Over (DSO) programme as a major milestone that complements ongoing modernisation of Nigeria’s broadcasting industry.

He said “the Digital Switch Over and the investments in modern broadcast infrastructure are opening new chapters for Nigeria’s information sector.

“By the time this reform programme is completed, Nigerians will witness a truly transformed public broadcasting system.”

The minister said that the President was equally 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.”

Shortly after inspecting the NTA facilities, the minister visited the National Press Centre at Radio House, where he expressed satisfaction with the progress of ongoing renovation.

He said the upgraded National Press Centre would become 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 conducive environment and modern facilities to carry out their professional responsibilities effectively”, he added.

The minister, therefore, urged the contractors to complete the project as scheduled, noting that he would return for final inspection before its inauguration.

According to him, 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.