Nigeria’s Multi-Million Dollar Plan to Revolutionize Public Broadcasting

By Achimi Muktar

In a bold move to rejuvenate Nigeria’s aging public media infrastructure, the Federal Government has kicked off a sweeping technical upgrade of its radio and television stations — and it’s pulling in global tech giants to make it happen.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Muhammad Idris, revealed this ambitious undertaking on Monday while speaking from Las Vegas, Nevada, where he is currently attending the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Show 2025, one of the world’s largest gatherings of media and broadcast technology innovators.

“Strategic communication is essential to ensuring that the policies of the Renewed Hope Agenda reach the Nigerian people effectively,” Idris said, highlighting the critical role media plays in shaping public understanding.

The transformation project involves investments in cutting-edge broadcast technologies and state-of-the-art studio equipment to replace outdated and ineffective infrastructure that has plagued government-owned stations for years.

But it’s more than just new gadgets — the government is forging direct partnerships with global manufacturers to ensure that Nigerian broadcasters gain access to emerging technologies, training, and content-sharing opportunities.

During the ongoing event, Idris led a high-powered delegation of media chiefs and regulators to tour exhibition floors showcasing revolutionary tech — from AI-driven production tools to next-gen broadcast antennas and transmitters.

Executives from top broadcast technology firms like Kintronic Labs, Axel Technology, SYES SRL, Thomson Broadcast, and Continental Electronics expressed interest in working with Nigeria to enhance its broadcasting systems.

“We’re ready to partner with the Nigerian government to modernize its broadcast landscape,” said Thomas King, chairman of Kintronic Laboratories, echoing the sentiments of other industry leaders.

Accompanying Idris were the heads of key Nigerian media institutions:

Salihu Abdulhamid Dembos (Director-General, Nigeria Television Authority)

Ali Mohammed Ali (Managing Director, News Agency of Nigeria)

Charles Ebuebu (Director-General, National Broadcasting Commission)

Dr. Lekan Fadolapo (Director-General, Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria)

Jibrin Baba Ndace (Director-General, Voice of Nigeria)

Together, they aim to secure strategic partnerships that will not only boost Nigeria’s technical capabilities but also enable content exchange, skills development, and regulatory upgrades.

The NAB Show 2025, themed “The Technology, The Trend, The Future”, runs from April 5 to 9 and explores innovations like artificial intelligence, cloud-based broadcasting, sports tech, and the creator economy — all areas Nigeria is eager to tap into.

With the groundwork now in motion, all eyes are on how fast — and how far — this transformation will go. One thing is clear: Nigeria’s public media may soon be stepping into the global spotlight with a brand-new face.