Information Minister Commissions refurbished radio house building
The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has officially commissioned the rehabilitated Radio House building in Abuja, marking a significant achievement in the restoration of critical infrastructure under the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation.
Speaking after a tour of the refurbished facility, the Minister highlighted the dilapidation that had plagued the iconic 14-storey building for nearly two decades.
“When I arrived, this place was in a state of disrepair—air conditioning systems were not working, lifts were non-functional, and staff often had to climb up to nine or ten floors to reach their offices. Even the restrooms were in poor condition; this was unacceptable,” he said.
Idris commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his swift approval of funding that enabled the rehabilitation of the building, which houses the Ministry and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN).
“Thanks to Mr. President’s intervention, we have transformed this building into a functional and conducive workspace. The air conditioning systems are operational, the lifts are working, and the facilities are now modernised. For the first time in nearly 20 years, Radio House is alive again, and the staff are happy,” he added.
The rehabilitation of Radio House is part of a broader vision by President Tinubu to modernise public information infrastructure across the country. The Minister mentioned ongoing efforts to extend similar upgrades to key facilities of the FRCN and the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) in Kaduna, Lagos, Enugu, and other locations, with plans to extend these improvements to regional and legacy stations nationwide.
“We are restoring Nigeria’s public information assets to their former glory,” the Minister emphasised. “This is not just about renovating buildings; it is about repositioning Nigeria’s media landscape to meet global best practices.”
The Minister also called on staff to reciprocate the government’s investment by recommitting themselves to excellence and professionalism.
“Now that so much is being given to us, we must also give back by supporting President Tinubu’s vision for a reawakened and repositioned Nigeria,” he urged.
Additionally, the Minister acknowledged the vital role of media professionals in driving national development and pledged to advocate for improved working conditions, including a salary structure that reflects the importance of the sector.
“Mr. President is doing his best to address all sectors, but because of the role the media plays and the hazards associated with the job, we desire a salary structure that reflects the crucial work media practitioners do for our country,” he said.
Earlier in her remarks, the Chairman of the Joint Action Committee of Labour in the Ministry, Comrade Chika Ukachukwu, highlighted that a conducive and well-maintained working environment would enhance the Ministry’s productivity and urged staff to reciprocate the government’s gesture.
The Chairman presented a Transformational Leadership Award to the Minister in recognition of his dedication, diligence, and commitment to fulfilling the Ministry’s vision, mission, and mandate.
The event was witnessed by the Acting Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Comfort Ajiboye, and the Director-General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Alhaji Mohammed Bulama.
