By Fatima Saka
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Information and National Orientation, Senator Kenneth Emeka Eze, has expressed deep concern over the zero budget allocation given to agencies under the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation.
Speaking at the Senate Committee on Appropriation on Friday in Abuja, Senator Eze emphasized the urgent need for adequate funding in the sector. He argued that to compete with international media giants like BBC and CNN, Nigeria must invest in high-quality content creation, which requires financial commitment.
“How do agencies survive with zero allocation? Their situation is pathetic, and urgent intervention is needed,” he stated.
Senator Eze highlighted the dire financial struggles faced by agencies such as the Nigerian Press Council (NPC), which lacks funding to even pay salaries.
“Last year, I made it clear that the Press Council does not pay salaries. They are not surviving,” he lamented. “This Appropriation Committee must act fast.”
Regulatory Challenges and Legal Battles
He further noted that regulatory bodies are overwhelmed with legal battles, which hinder their operations.
“These agencies regulate the press and electronic media. Yet, they have over 100 court cases, and none of these media houses are paying fines. The National Assembly must intervene by amending existing laws to ease their burden.”
Dilapidated Offices and Lack of Resources
Senator Eze painted a grim picture of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), which has 774 offices nationwide but operates under severe neglect.
“Visit any NOA office in your local government, and you’ll see the state of decay. Some offices are non-functional. Staff have retired with no replacements. How can they work effectively under such conditions?”
He also pointed out the lack of operational vehicles, which significantly hampers the agency’s ability to function.
“In the past, the agency had vehicles across all local governments. Today, not a single functional vehicle exists in any NOA office. How can they do their job?”
Struggles Against Private Media Competitors
The senator also stressed the widening gap between government-funded media and private-sector competitors, citing poor salaries and inadequate funding as key challenges.
Court Suspends Ali Odefa, Fines Him N100m for Damages
“How much does NTA pay its staff compared to private media houses? Talented individuals prefer private stations because they offer better salaries. This affects content quality.”
Despite these challenges, he praised NTA for maintaining high-quality content and international reach.
“NTA is doing well, but it needs more funding to compete effectively. Their content is rich, but without support, they cannot improve.”
Call for Urgent Action
Senator Eze urged the National Assembly to prioritize funding for media agencies, emphasizing that their role is crucial in shaping national discourse and information dissemination.
“These agencies are not performing badly, but they need to be encouraged. We must invest in them to compete globally.”
He also referenced the Russania Report, which led to the reinstatement of some agencies, stressing that their continued operation depends on financial backing.
“They were removed based on the Russania Report but later reinstated. Now, we must ensure they get the necessary funding to function effectively.”
Senator Eze’s plea underscores the urgent need for government investment in media agencies to enhance their performance and ensure they can fulfill their mandate effectively.
