Nigeria to implement MoUs between NTA, FRCN, China Media Group

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, emphasised that the agreements are intended to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the media and communication sector, facilitating deeper collaboration between Nigeria and China. Photo: FMINO

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has stated that Nigeria is fully committed to implementing the two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed with the China Media Group and two key Nigerian public broadcasters, the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) during the Forum on China Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing.

The Minister made this declaration while receiving the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Yu Dunhai, during a courtesy visit to his office on Thursday, March 6, 2025.

Alhaji Idris emphasised that the agreements are intended to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the media and communication sector, facilitating deeper collaboration between Nigeria and China.

According to him, the MoUs focus on essential areas such as information sharing, content exchange, and technology transfer, which will enhance Nigeria’s broadcasting capabilities and enrich the media landscape.

The Minister noted that the accurate dissemination of information will further strengthen international ties and expressed a desire to partner with China in combating fake news, misinformation, and disinformation.

”Misinformation, fake news, and disinformation pose significant dangers worldwide, and both China and Nigeria recognize this threat. We understand it is not limited to just our countries; it is a global issue. We are committed to collaborating with China to combat fake news and misinformation while promoting reliable information that fosters societal growth.” He said.

Idris informed the visiting envoy that Nigeria values press freedom as a key policy of the Tinubu administration, aimed at strengthening democracy through information sharing.

“The media here is largely free. While there are occasional breaches that we are happy to address and improve upon, Nigeria enjoys a high degree of press freedom, and we intend to maintain it,” he stated.

The Minister also encouraged Chinese companies to take advantage of the reforms implemented by the Tinubu administration and invest in the Nigerian economy.

In his remarks, Ambassador Dunhai expressed his dedication to deepening the existing ties between Nigeria and China as the new Chinese envoy.

He endorsed the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu, aimed at reforming the nation’s economy for better performance.

“As the new Ambassador, I am fortunate to arrive at a time when Nigeria, under President Tinubu’s leadership, is committed to the Renewed Hope Agenda to strengthen the nation. Under President Xi Jinping, China is also pursuing national rejuvenation through modernization,” he said.

According to Ambassador Dunhai, Presidents Xi Jinping and Tinubu had agreed to elevate their bilateral relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership, marking a new chapter in their ties during the last Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Beijing,

He expressed anticipation for the implementation of the Memoranda of Understanding signed between Nigeria’s two leading public broadcasters, the NTA and FRCN, and the China Media Group, emphasizing the media’s crucial role in shaping society.

Ambassador Dunhai also commended the Nigerian media for their accurate, objective, and balanced reporting, which strives to present a comprehensive view of events to the public.

Regarding investment, the Ambassador noted that President Xi Jinping committed $50 billion for investment in Africa over the next three years, aligning with the ten Memoranda of Understanding signed at the last Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

Writing by Oluwaseyi Ajibade