Minister Mohammed Idris has emphasized the Federal Government’s commitment to revitalizing two prominent pillars of Nigeria’s media landscape: the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN).
During his visit to these institutions in Kaduna, he highlighted the vital roles of Radio Nigeria Kaduna and NTA Kaduna in shaping public opinion and cultural exchange.
Acknowledging their decline due to years of neglect, outdated infrastructure, and work ethics, the minister assured a transformative overhaul under the current administration to re-establish their eminence and position them as leaders in Nigeria’s broadcasting sector.
“To properly situate the NTA and FRCN as positive agents within the federal government agenda, we must appreciate the fact of their current underwhelming performance in an ever-competitive, creative, and technology-driven operating environment.
“My coming here today in the company of the Directors General of the NTA and FRCN is to genuinely seek a realistic approach to addressing some of these challenges, which is at the forefront of our priorities. We shall explore all the available options to ensure that we restore the lost glory of the NTA and FRCN,” he said.
The minister said the case of the FRCN at national and state levels is even more dire, particularly at Radio Nigeria, Kaduna, which he described as “a once prestigious bastion of information” that has produced innumerable broadcast icons.
“Indeed, Radio Nigeria Kaduna needs urgent resuscitation. We will surely act with urgency on this rescue mission,” he said.
The minister said upon his assumption of office, he was inundated by calls from numerous interest groups on the dwindling fortunes of the two establishments, stressing that his work is cut out for him in ensuring that both NTA and FRCN are rejigged to achieve their set of objectives.
“I want to assure the management, staff, and other stakeholders of the NTA and FRCN that President Tinubu has appointed Malam Salihu Abdulhamid Dembos and Dr Mohammed Bulama as Directors General of the NTA and FRCN, respectively, after a thorough consideration of their capacity to turn around the fortunes of the two largest television and radio broadcast chains in Nigeria and indeed in Africa.”
“I am available to explore opportunities that will provide the necessary wherewithal to ensure that the NTA and FRCN are equipped with modern technology, staff are well trained, and their welfare is made a priority,” he said.
The minister said the two media organisations must be in tune with a media landscape that is rapidly evolving by embracing cutting-edge technologies to stay relevant, enhance efficiency, and reach a wider audience.
