The minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to fully implementing the two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed between the China Media Group and two key Nigerian public broadcasters, the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) at the last Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing.
The minister, who stated this when he received the Chinese Ambassador to NIgeria, Mr. Yu Dunhai on a courtesy visit yesterday in Abuja, said the agreements are designed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the media and communication sector, thereby fostering deeper collaboration between Nigeria and China.
He stated that the MoUs cover critical areas such as information sharing, content exchange, and technology transfer, which will enhance Nigeria’s broadcasting capabilities and enrich the country’s media landscape with global best practices.
“China and Nigeria now have a very comprehensive bilateral relationship, which we have taken to the highest level possible. This has resulted in the signing of about 10 MoUs in Beijing, two of which are directly related to this ministry,” Idris said.
“The Nigerian Television Authority is the largest television network in Africa, with 100 stations covering this vast territory and reaching over 200 million people. Through this partnership with China, NTA aims to exchange not just news content but also technology and information that will benefit both countries.”
He further noted that FRCN, one of Africa’s largest radio networks, is also part of the agreement.
“These two Memoranda of Understanding have already been signed, and Nigeria is committed to fulfilling its part of these agreements,” he added.
The minister stressed the importance of factual and accurate information dissemination in strengthening bilateral ties and called for collaboration with China in fighting fake news, misinformation, and disinformation.
“Fake news and misinformation pose a serious global challenge. We know that China takes this issue very seriously, and we in Nigeria do too. This is not a problem unique to just our two countries—it is a global phenomenon. We want to work with China to combat misinformation and promote accurate, useful information that contributes to societal growth,” he said.
He also highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to press freedom, describing it as a deliberate policy of the Tinubu administration aimed at strengthening democracy through open information sharing.
“The media in Nigeria are largely free. Of course, there are occasional breaches, but we are always ready to address them and improve. Nigeria enjoys a high degree of press freedom, and we intend to maintain it,” he said.
The minister also urged Chinese companies to take advantage of the economic reforms being implemented by the Tinubu administration and invest in Nigeria.
In his remarks, Ambassador Yu Dunhai expressed his commitment to further strengthening the existing Nigeria-China relations.
The ambassador praised President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which is focused on reforming the Nigerian economy for enhanced performance.
“As the new ambassador, I am fortunate to arrive at a time when Nigeria, under President Tinubu’s leadership, is dedicated to the Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at making Nigeria stronger.
Similarly, China, under President Xi Jinping’s leadership, is marching toward national rejuvenation through modernization,” he said.
He recalled that at the last FOCAC summit in Beijing, Presidents Xi Jinping and Tinubu agreed to elevate Nigeria-China relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, opening a new chapter in their bilateral engagement.
The ambassador expressed confidence in the implementation of the MoUs signed between NTA, FRCN, and China Media Group, emphasizing the crucial role of the media in shaping society.
“The media in Nigeria are accurate, objective, and balanced in their reporting. They strive to present a full picture of events to Nigerians, and we appreciate this approach,” he said.
On investments, Ambassador Dunhai disclosed that President Xi Jinping has pledged $50 billion for investment in Africa over the next three years, in line with the 10 MoUs signed at the last FOCAC summit.
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