Nigeria Plans Mandarin Broadcast to Expand Global Media Influence Reach
Korede Abdullah 
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris
ABUJA, Nigeria – Nigeria plans to launch Mandarin-language broadcasting from Abuja as part of efforts to expand its global media presence, Information Minister Mohammed Idris says.
Idris disclosed the plan on Wednesday during a meeting with the Bureau of Public Service Reforms, noting that upgraded transmission facilities and collaboration with a Chinese media organisation will drive the initiative.
“In a short while, Nigeria will be able to broadcast in Mandarin from Abuja,” the minister says, describing the move as strategic in strengthening Nigeria’s international communication reach.
He stresses that public service reforms must extend beyond policy execution to effective communication with citizens. Although Nigeria’s civil service accounts for about five million workers, Idris says reforms aim to benefit the wider population through improved service delivery.
The minister highlights the need for attitudinal change within government institutions, recalling that President Bola Tinubu renamed the ministry to prioritise national orientation and shared values.
“Infrastructure alone cannot deliver results without responsibility and accountability,” he says.
Idris also warns about misinformation risks driven by artificial intelligence, including deepfakes, stressing the importance of media literacy in a rapidly evolving digital environment.
He reveals that Nigeria has secured approval to host a Category 2 UNESCO Media and Information Literacy Centre, scheduled for launch in Abuja in March, to equip journalists and citizens with skills to identify credible information.
The minister adds that reforms are ongoing across federal media organisations, including the Nigerian Television Authority, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria and Voice of Nigeria, to improve credibility, reach and public trust.
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