In a significant move aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s global influence and fostering inclusive governance, the National Council on Information and National Orientation has announced plans for the establishment of foreign offices by three major Nigerian media organizations. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), and Voice of Nigeria (VON) will open new offices in selected countries as part of a broader strategy to improve Nigeria’s public communication and image management on the world stage.
The announcement was made in a communique following the 48th meeting of the National Council on Information, held from December 11 to 13, 2024, in Kaduna. The meeting, organized by the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, was attended by a range of stakeholders, including commissioners, permanent secretaries, and experts in the country’s information and communication sector.
A Push for Global Presence
The decision to establish foreign offices aims to complement the work already being done by Nigeria’s Information Service Centres (NISCs) in 13 countries. The NISCs, which have regional and zonal headquarters in some of these nations, focus on managing Nigeria’s reputation abroad and fostering a positive image of the country.
Binta Mamman, the Chairman of the Committee and Commissioner from Niger State, confirmed the development in a signed communique. According to the statement, the new offices for NAN, NTA, and VON will be strategically located in countries where Nigeria has significant diplomatic, economic, and cultural interests.
“The additional foreign offices will support the efforts of the NISCs by enhancing communication and information dissemination, ensuring that Nigeria’s narrative on the global stage remains clear, consistent, and positive,” Mamman said.
Strengthening Nigeria’s Image
The move is part of a larger policy initiative outlined at the meeting, which also saw the adoption of the National Policy on Information. The policy aims to transform Nigeria’s information sector across all levels, aligning it with the country’s democratic, economic, and global aspirations.
In addition to international outreach, the council emphasized the importance of rebranding Nigeria’s information landscape to reflect its growing influence on the world stage. By expanding the footprint of its national media organizations abroad, the government seeks to foster stronger diplomatic and economic ties while improving Nigeria’s international standing.
The council also recommended the re-opening of additional NISCs, particularly those in key global regions, for more efficient decision-making and strategic communication. The goal is to ensure Nigeria’s message is delivered in real-time and is tailored to meet the specific needs of local contexts.
Investment in Capacity Building and Digital Media
The meeting also highlighted the need for increased funding for key Nigerian media outlets like VON, NTA, and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN). These organizations face challenges related to outdated infrastructure and limited resources, which hinder their ability to effectively carry out their roles in an increasingly digital world.
As part of the strategic overhaul, the council recommended that media houses across the country be fully digitalized to meet the demands of modern communication. This move aligns with global trends in media consumption, where digital platforms are now the primary source of information for most people worldwide.
“We need to empower our media organizations to be at the forefront of digital transformation. It’s crucial for improving how we communicate with both domestic and international audiences,” Mamman explained.
The meeting also called for revitalizing the National Institute of Public Information (NIPI) in Kaduna to serve as a center for training and capacity building for information and public relations practitioners. By investing in professional development, the council hopes to foster a new generation of media and communication experts who can manage Nigeria’s public image both locally and internationally.
