Media assets

Television: NTA Aba, NTA Abeokuta, NTA Abuja, NTA Plus Abuja, NTA Ado-Ekiti, NTA Akure, NTA Asaba, NTA Awka, NTA Bauchi, NTA Benin, NTA Birnin-Kebbi, NTA Calabar, NTA Damaturu, NTA Dutse, NTA Enugu, NTA Gombe, NTA Gusau, NTA Ibadan, NTA Ife, NTA Ijebu-Ode, NTA Ilorin, NTA International, NTA Jalingo, NTA Jos, NTA Kaduna, NTA Kano, NTA Katsina, NTA 2 Channel 5 Lagos, NTA Channel 10 Lagos, NTA Lafia, NTA Lokoja, NTA Maiduguri, NTA Makurdi, NTA Minna, NTA Ondo, NTA Osogbo, NTA Owerri, NTA Oyo, NTA Port Harcourt, NTA Sokoto, NTA Uyo, NTA Yenagoa, NTA Yola, NTA Sapele, NTA Education, NTA Sports

State Media Matrix Typology

State-Controlled (SC)

Ownership and governance

The Nigerian Television Authority is governed by the NTA Act of 1976, which formalized its status as a state-owned public corporation.

At the apex of NTA’s governance structure is its Board of Directors, originally envisioned as an 11-member body appointed largely by the Federal Government. However, the President is empowered by law to alter the board’s composition. As of 2025, the board consists of eight members, all of whom are government appointees, selected on the recommendation of the Minister of Information and Culture and confirmed by the President.

Executive oversight is provided by the Director General (DG), who also sits on the board and presides over day-to-day operations through the Management Board. The DG is appointed by the Minister, subject to presidential approval.

In June 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu dissolved the boards of 14 federal agencies, including NTA, as part of a broader shake-up of state institutions. Until replacements were named, the President assumed direct oversight. Subsequently, in October 2023, Tinubu appointed Salihu Abdulhamid Dembos as Director General of the NTA—part of a wave of appointments reshaping Nigeria’s public service media landscape.

In March 2025, President Bola Tinubu appointed Felix Morka, National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as the new Board Chairman of NTA. This marks a notable political appointment, as Morka is a prominent APC official.

The NTA’s board members appointed in September 2024 included: Ayo Adewuyi — Executive Director, News, Ibrahim Aliyu — Executive Director, Special Duties, Muhammed Fatuhu Mustapha — Executive Director, Administration and Training, Apinke Effiong — Executive Director, Finance, Tari Taylaur — Executive Director, Programs, Sadique Musa Omeiza — Executive Director, Engineering and Oluwakemi Fashina — Executive Director, Marketing.

Source of funding and budget

NTA is predominantly reliant on federal funding. In 2023, the broadcaster received NGN 8.33 billion (approximately USD 10.8 million) via allocations from the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, reinforcing the state’s role as its primary financier.

Between 2010 and 2019, NTA was granted NGN 67 billion (equivalent to USD 43 million at 2024 exchange rates) in cumulative subsidies. Additionally, the Nigerian government pledged NGN 181.5 billion (USD 500 million) in 2020 to support the network’s digital transition—although implementation timelines and disbursement details remain opaque.

While advertising offers a secondary revenue stream, it remains limited in scale. Industry observers estimate that advertising revenue contributes roughly 20% to NTA’s overall budget—underscoring the broadcaster’s fiscal dependence on government subvention.

Editorial independence

Mandated to provide “independent and impartial television broadcasting for general reception within Nigeria,” NTA’s editorial autonomy remains, at best, aspirational. The founding legislation stipulates that the broadcaster must air government communiqués, ministerial speeches, and other official content upon request—formalizing a pathway for state influence over programming.

In practice, the NTA has often functioned as a de facto mouthpiece of the ruling government. Numerous media monitoring reports and academic analyses have documented the network’s role in amplifying the narratives of those in power, while marginalizing dissenting or critical voices.

In October 2021, during a budget presentation at the National Assembly, then-Director General Yakubu Mohammed publicly acknowledged the mounting pressure from ministries and government bodies seeking favorable coverage, further highlighting the institutional vulnerabilities that inhibit editorial independence.

NTA’s Service Charter outlines internal quality control mechanisms, including a Research, Development and Monitoring Unit tasked with evaluating program standards. According to the Authority, daily monitoring reports are reviewed by senior management and guide editorial decisions. The broadcaster also invites public feedback and claims to respond promptly to viewer complaints. However, there was little public evidence to suggest these mechanisms safeguard journalistic independence or function as effective accountability tools.

In recent months, there has been a growing public demand for higher editorial standards and more relevant content, and NTA’s recent moves have been viewed as positive steps toward regaining cultural relevance and audience trust. The broader executive board overhaul in September 2024 also brought in industry-savvy figures such as Tari Taylaur, signaling a parallel push for editorial reinvention. Under the new board, NTA has launched initiatives to expand authentic Nigerian storytelling, including partnerships with Nollywood producers and the introduction of original programming like Temi and the Labalaba Band and Las Gidi. These efforts aim to reposition NTA as a platform for local, culturally resonant content rather than solely a government mouthpiece.

But while the new board has injected creative energy and a renewed focus on local content, the overarching influence of a politically affiliated chairman raises questions about the balance between cultural innovation and political neutrality. The risk is that editorial improvements in entertainment and cultural programming may be overshadowed by perceived or real bias in news and political coverage.

July 2025

The organization underwent another transformation in 1957, becoming the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC). Its current structure and name—FRCN—emerged in 1978 following the merger of NBC with the Broadcasting Corporation of Northern Nigeria (BCNN). Today, FRCN stands as Africa’s largest radio network, operating six zonal stations across shortwave (SW) and medium wave (MW) frequencies, alongside 32 FM stations that span Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.

Media assets

Radio: Kapital FM Abuja, Radio One Lagos, Globe FM Bauchi, Supreme FM Kaduna, Power FM Bida, Metro FM Lagos, Peace FM Maiduguri, Pyramid FM Kano, Bond FM Lagos, Sunshine FM Potiskum, Companion FM Katsina, Jewel FM Gombe, Horizon FM Dutse, Gift FM Jalingo, Pride FM Gusau, Fombina FM Yola, Hausa Service 594 Kaduna, Gashua FM, Karama FM Kaduna, Royal FM Sokoto, Equity FM Birnin Kebbi, Precious FM Lafia, Premier FM Ibadan, Coal City FM Enugu, Canaan City FM Calabar, Harvest FM Makurdi, Progress FM Ado Ekiti, Heatland FM IMO, Bronze FM Benin, Highland FM Jos, Gold FM Ilesha (Osun), Purity FM Awka, Creek FM Yenagoa, Harmony FM Ilorin, Paramount FM Abaekuta, Pacesetter FM Umuahia, Atlantic FM Uyo, Prime FM Lokoja, Positive FM Akure, Unity FM Abakaliki, Treasure FM Port-Harcourt, Ogo Ilu FM Oko, Voice FM Nsukka, Charity FM Asaba, Amuludun FM Ibadan, Asabari Saki FM Oyo

State Media Matrix Typology

State-Controlled (SC)

Ownership and governance

FRCN is a government-owned entity established under Decree No. 8 of 1978, later codified as the FRCN Act. The governance model mirrors that of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), with overarching federal oversight.

Each of FRCN’s regional stations is headed by a Director who reports directly to the Director General of the corporation. The federal government, through the Minister of Information and Culture, maintains the authority to appoint executive leadership.

In October 2023, President Tinubu appointed Muhammed Bulama as the new Director General and CEO of FRCN, as part of a broader leadership reshuffle across federal media institutions.

In a significant structural development, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved in February 2024 the merger of FRCN with Voice of Nigeria (VON) to form the Federal Broadcasting Corporation of Nigeria. As of July 2025, the merger has been approved and is in the process of implementation, but full operational integration and rebranding under the new name are still ongoing.

Source of funding and budget

FRCN’s financial lifeline is firmly tethered to federal government allocations. In 2020, the corporation received NGN 7.8 billion (approx. USD 20.3 million), representing the single largest expenditure line within the Ministry of Information and Culture’s budget that year.

Despite being granted the authority to earn commercial income since 1988, advertising remains a supplementary revenue stream. Local media economists estimate that advertising contributes less than 25% of FRCN’s total income.

According to public budget data, FRCN had the following financial situation:

• 2022: Projected budget of NGN 10.92 billion (approx. USD 25 million); revenue generation: NGN 1.3 billion (USD 3 million).
• 2023: Federal subsidy totaled NGN 10.51 billion (USD 13.6 million).
• 2024: As of June 2025, no detailed public breakdown has been released. However, budget trends suggest a continuation of state dependency with limited commercial growth.

The merger with VON, once fully operational, is expected to trigger a recalibration of budget allocations and resource deployment under the newly named Federal Broadcasting Corporation of Nigeria.

Editorial independence

While the FRCN Act mandates the delivery of impartial and independent broadcasting, the station’s editorial posture remains heavily influenced by political power structures. The law itself obliges the network to carry government announcements and provide broadcast time for official statements—thereby codifying the state’s presence within its editorial framework.

Journalists and media analysts in Nigeria consistently report that government officials receive prioritized coverage, with FRCN often relegated to a platform for disseminating state-approved narratives. This institutional culture, rooted in both formal legislation and informal political norms, has led to a programming agenda where government-related news dominates, often at the expense of critical or diverse perspectives.

As of 2025, there is no statutory or independent oversight mechanism in place to monitor or enforce editorial autonomy at FRCN. Unlike some peer public broadcasters globally, FRCN lacks a functioning external review board or ombuds system that could credibly assess its content output.

July 2025

By 1963, the station broadened its horizons to become a full-fledged international broadcaster. Until 1990, VON functioned as the external service arm of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN). That changed when Decree No. 15 of 1991 (retroactively effective from January 1990) conferred autonomy on VON, establishing it as a separate legal entity under what later became known as the Voice of Nigeria Corporation Act.

Media assets

Radio: VON

State Media Matrix Typology

State-Controlled (SC)

Ownership and governance

VON operates as a state-owned enterprise established under the 1991 legal decree No 15. The Board of Directors, its highest governing body, consists of nine members, all appointed by the President upon recommendation by the Minister of Information and Culture. The Director General, who serves as the chief executive and oversees the organization’s day-to-day operations, is appointed via the same political process.

As per official and credible records, Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace is the current Director General and CEO of VON, appointed by President Bola Tinubu in October 2023

In February 2024, the Federal Executive Council approved a structural consolidation of Nigeria’s state-owned broadcast entities, announcing the merger of VON with FRCN. The newly proposed umbrella entity is to be known as the Federal Broadcasting Corporation of Nigeria.

However, as of mid-2025, this merger remains administratively approved but not operationally completed. VON and FRCN continue to function as separate institutions, pending full legal and structural integration. For that reason, they are still profiled separately in this database. (See the FRCN profile for further context.)

Source of funding and budget

VON is wholly dependent on public funds, with its entire operating budget sourced from the Federal Government of Nigeria through allocations via the Ministry of Information and Culture.

• In 2020, VON received NGN 2.9 billion (approx. USD 7.5 million) in federal subsidy.
• In 2023, its allocation rose slightly to NGN 3.3 billion (approx. USD 4.2 million).

No significant increase in revenue-generating capacity or alternative funding streams has been recorded. Unlike commercial or hybrid broadcasters, VON does not derive income from advertising or sponsorship.

Given the upcoming merger with FRCN, it is expected that future allocations will be consolidated under a joint budget line once operational unification occurs.

Editorial independence

Although VON is tasked with delivering Nigeria’s voice to the global stage, its editorial output is widely regarded as aligned with government messaging. Legally, VON is obligated to provide airtime for government views and official narratives, a requirement that effectively curtails the station’s ability to operate independently.

According to local media observers and journalism experts interviewed for this report, VON’s programming frequently displays overt favoritism toward the government, and critical or oppositional voices are largely absent from its international news agenda.

Importantly, no independent oversight body or statutory mechanism currently exists to safeguard or assess VON’s editorial autonomy. In the absence of legal provisions for content monitoring or public accountability, editorial capture by the state remains systemic and unresolved.

July 2025

While its early mission was to counter Western media narratives and offer a local perspective, NAN has since evolved into a central distribution hub for news consumed by newspapers, broadcasters, corporate clients, and public institutions across Nigeria.

Media assets

News agency: News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

State Media Matrix Typology

State-Controlled (SC)

Ownership and governance

NAN was legally constituted under Decree No. 19 of 1975, subsequently known as the News Agency of Nigeria Act. It functions as a state-owned corporation, under the purview of the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture.

The agency’s highest governing body is its Board of Directors, composed of eight members. According to the statute:

• Half of the board is appointed by the federal government.
• The Chairperson of the Board and the Managing Director (MD) are both appointed by the President upon the recommendation of the Minister of Information and Culture.

As of mid-2025, there have been no publicly announced changes in leadership or board composition since the last major restructuring of state media agencies in 2023. NAN continues to operate under the federal government’s close administrative oversight.

Ali Muhammed Ali is the current Managing Director/CEO of the News Agency of Nigeria. He was appointed in October 2023 by President Bola Tinubu and has served in this capacity throughout 2024 and into 2025.

Source of funding and budget

NAN’s operations are predominantly financed by federal budget allocations, with a limited portion of its revenue coming from commercial activities such as subscription fees paid by institutional clients—primarily media organizations and government bodies.

No detailed data on 2024 budget figures had been officially released by June 2025, although it is assumed that state subsidies remained stable or slightly increased, consistent with the pattern of allocations to peer institutions such as NTA and VON.

Editorial independence

While NAN is widely regarded as a professional and operationally capable newswire—with one of the most extensive national footprints of any media organization in Nigeria—its editorial independence remains compromised by structural and legal constraints.

The agency operates as a de facto government mouthpiece, with its content rarely if ever deviating from official narratives. It routinely prioritizes government-related coverage, omits critical or investigative angles on public authorities and complies with requests or directives from state officials.

There is no statutory provision or independent oversight mechanism in place to ensure NAN’s editorial autonomy. No independent ombudsman, regulatory board, or public complaints mechanism exists to vet content or editorial practices. Consequently, NAN functions as an institutional amplifier of government communication, rather than a watchdog or neutral information intermediary.

June 2025