Mohammed Idris, minister of Information and National Orientation, has officially launched the contract for restoring the Voice of Nigeria (VON) shortwave transmission, using the 250 KW TX2 transmitter at the Lugbe transmitting station in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.

Speaking at the event, the minister described the development as a major milestone, noting that its impact extends beyond Nigeria to the wider African continent.

The restoration project is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s international broadcasting capacity, enhance cross-border communication, and reinforce the country’s role in Africa’s media and information landscape.

“As we commence the revival of the largest and most powerful transmitting station on the African continent, now equipped with the most modern, digitally compatible technology. Upon completion of this project, the fully reactivated VON transmitters will transform the landscape of terrestrial broadcasting and position VON as a respected brand in global radio broadcasting for good.

“It is my expectation that the Voice of Nigeria will continue to uphold its policy of being a pro-Nigeria and pan-African station dedicated to telling the positive stories coming out of Nigeria and the African continent.”

The minister, who was represented by Mr. Ogbodo Chinasa Nnam, permanent secretary of the ministry,  commended President Tinubu for his commitment to ensuring Nigeria’s information sector and the broadcasting infrastructure are enhanced to meet the global standard.

“As we take this giant step to flag off the contract for the restoration of Voice of Nigeria’s shortwave transmission using the 250KW superpower transmitter, it is appropriate to express our profound appreciation to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his vision and commitment toward the restoration and modernisation of the broadcasting infrastructure of the Voice of Nigeria.”

While charging the VON technical team to be competent in supervising the execution of this project, the minister urged the contractors to abide by the stipulated duration of the contract.

“I therefore urge the contractor to not only execute the contract within the agreed timeline but also to ensure that the highest standards and quality are maintained and clearly evident. The VON technical team must demonstrate a high level of diligence and competence in supervising the execution of this project, as well as in ensuring its sustainability through an effective maintenance culture,” he added.

Meanwhile, Mallam Jibrin Baba-Ndace, director general, VON,  stressed that the project will position the organisation as a leading voice in broadcasting on the African continent.

“History is being made because we have the support of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“While we acknowledge that Voice of Nigeria has a very robust digital media platform, we also recognise, looking at their media landscape, that what will give us an edge as a leading voice on the African continent is to bring back our terrestrial broadcast. What we have here is the only rotating antenna on the continent of Africa today.

“We are very proud to be the ones at this moment that have the privilege, by the mandate given to us by the President and Commander-in-Chief, to revive this very important critical institution.”

On his part, Mr. Hassan Fawaz, managing director of Confax Nigeria Limited, the contractor, promised the timely delivery of the rehabilitation of the 250-kilowatt superpower rotating transmitter.

“The good thing about the technology of shortwave is that it will give you a very wide coverage. And I’m sure everybody has seen around the quality, the size of the equipment, the antenna, the rotating antenna, plus the fixed antenna, and so on. It’s a huge setup that will definitely make every Nigerian proud to have it on air.

“We will do everything within our reach to be able, hand in hand, to support you and have you achieve a plan to have everything put in order.”

The minister also highlighted VON’s contribution to Nigeria’s foreign and public diplomacy as well as upholding Nigeria’s democracy, with the hope that the station will continue to fulfil its mission and mandate as a pro-Nigeria and pan-African outlet committed to presenting positive narratives about Nigeria and Africa.