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.

The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting responsible, responsive and sustainable access to creative works in the digital environment, in a manner that balances the interests of all stakeholders within the copyright and knowledge ecosystem.

Dr. John Asein, Director-General, NCC, made this known while receiving a delegation from the Wikimedia Nigeria Foundation, led by its President, Mr. Olushola Olaniyan, during a courtesy visit to the Commission’s headquarters. The visit was aimed at exploring potential areas of collaboration between the two organisations.

Dr. Asein acknowledged the significant role Wikimedia plays in making knowledge and information widely accessible, while stressing the need for responsible use of copyright-protected works in the digital space.

He noted that although the Commission may not endorse unrestricted open access to all creative works, it supports responsible access that ensures a fair balance between public interest and the rights of creators.

He encouraged Wikimedia, other digital platform operators, and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to promote the responsible use of the copyright system to safeguard the interests of rights holders and strengthen the knowledge economy.

Dr. Asein cautioned the public that freely available doesn’t mean that creative works online are all free. “We want to see more people buy into the responsible use of copyright system in the digital space, in a manner that will further edify right owners and keep the knowledge cycles running for the good of all stakeholders” he stressed.

The DG also highlighted the importance of the public domain and assured that the Commission will continue to draw attention to its value, as part of a broader effort to help all parties benefit from the copyright framework. He further briefed the Wikimedia delegation on key provisions of the Copyright Act, 2022, including updates on the NCC’s e-Registration System, copyright duration, compulsory licensing, and the protection of folklore and cultural heritage.

In response, Mr. Olaniyan expressed appreciation to the NCC management and staff for their ongoing work in strengthening Nigeria’s copyright landscape. He reaffirmed Wikimedia Nigeria Foundation’s commitment to supporting the Commission’s efforts to advance and protect the nation’s creative and knowledge economy.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on potential areas of collaboration, including joint copyright awareness campaigns, digital space engagement, and enlightenment training sessions.

The Wikimedia Nigeria Foundation, an affiliate of the Wikimedia Foundation Inc., is dedicated to promoting free knowledge and open access to information by encouraging the creation and dissemination of locally relevant content under open licenses such as Creative Commons.

Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) has responded to recent apprehensions suggesting a resurgence of heavy-handed regulation and arbitrary enforcement in the State’s outdoor advertising sector. While acknowledging the concerns, LASAA sought to reaffirm its commitment to regulatory fairness, industry professionalism and the sustainable growth of outdoor advertising in Lagos.

Refuting claims that LASAA intends to “wield the big stick,” the Agency drew attention to its longstanding practice of fostering dialogue and partnership with industry stakeholders.

Prince Fatiu Akiolu, Managing Director of the Agency stated, “The era of mutual suspicion is firmly behind us,” adding that the Agency “regularly convenes stakeholder fora, maintains cordial relationships with industry players, offers concessions such as discounts on vacant billboard charges and seeks stakeholders input before making major policy decisions.”

Prince Akiolu clarified that LASAA does not compete with private operators commercially. Instead, it manages a limited number of state-approved advertising structures primarily reserved to amplify government programmes, public awareness initiatives and regulatory oversight. These, with the Agency’s core mandate focusing on orderliness, public safety, and environmental aesthetics.

He said these efforts aim to serve the broader interests of Lagos residents and reiterated that the Agency’s core mandate remains the enforcement of orderliness, public safety and environmental aesthetics within the state.

On licensing, the Managing Director explained that stringent criteria ensure only qualified practitioners operate in the market. Addressing concerns about billboard oversupply, particularly around military and police formations where illegal structures are common, he noted that LASAA has imposed a moratorium on new registrations and permits since early 2025. “This moratorium intends to uphold industry integrity and elevate professional standards.”

Prince Fatiu explained that, “the Agency’s Health and Safety team actively verifies that outdoor installations meet engineering and safety benchmarks to mitigate risks to life and property.”

He noted that LASAA’s regulatory approach is primarily preventive rather than punitive and relies on monitoring, early warnings and corrective interventions, with enforcement used only when absolutely necessary.

Acknowledging ongoing challenges such as violations of spacing, setback and structural regulations, the MD attributed these mainly to lapses in operator compliance rather than regulatory overreach. He urged stakeholders, including the Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria (OAAN) and licensed professionals, to strengthen self-regulation and collaborate in reporting infractions to enhance Lagos’s safety, visual appeal and economic vibrancy.

To prevent a relapse into disorder, LASAA has launched a comprehensive enforcement and cleanup operation targeting unlawful advertising installations to restore urban order and protect public interests. Prince Fatiu stressed the essential role outdoor advertising plays in defining Lagos’s visual identity and called for responsible industry stewardship.

He reiterated LASAA’s commitment to maintaining a balanced regulatory framework that ensures oversight while supporting industry sustainability. This approach aims to create a transparent environment that safeguards investments and enhances the city’s aesthetics.

The Managing Director reassured the public and outdoor advertising professionals that LASAA’s mandate is not to stifle growth or punish legitimate operators but to ensure a fair, regulated and sustainable outdoor advertising sector in Lagos. He reaffirmed his dedication to nurturing an environment that protects investments, safeguards the public and enhances the beauty of Lagos.