President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the renewal of the tenures of the Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Salihu Abdulhamid Dembos, and the Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Ali M. Ali, for a second and final term of five years each. The approval was conveyed in a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation on Monday, August 24, 2026.
Appointment Renewal Details
According to the ministry's statement, the renewal takes effect from August 24, 2026. The statement, signed by the ministry's Director of Press and Public Relations, Regina A. M. I. (full name not provided in the source), confirmed that both appointments are for a fresh term of five years, marking the second and final term for each official.
The ministry said the decision is in line with the provisions of the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission Act and the News Agency of Nigeria Act, respectively. The statement also noted that the renewal is aimed at ensuring stability and continuity in the management of the two key media organisations.
Background of the Appointees
Salihu Abdulhamid Dembos was first appointed as NTA Director-General in August 2021. Under his leadership, the NTA has expanded its digital broadcasting footprint and introduced several new programmes. Ali M. Ali, a veteran journalist, was appointed NAN Managing Director in August 2021 as well, and has overseen the agency's modernisation efforts, including the launch of a new news website and mobile app.
The renewal comes as part of the President's broader efforts to strengthen public institutions and ensure that the media remain effective in their roles of informing and educating the public, the statement added.
Reactions and Expectations
The ministry expressed confidence that the renewed tenures would enable the two chief executives to consolidate the gains recorded in their first terms. The statement urged the staff and management of both organisations to continue to support the leadership in delivering on their mandates.
The renewal is seen as a vote of confidence in the performance of both officials, who have overseen significant reforms and improvements in the two agencies. It also aligns with the government's commitment to professionalism and excellence in public service broadcasting.
Both Dembos and Ali are expected to use the additional term to further enhance the quality of news and programming, expand reach, and embrace new technologies. The decision takes immediate effect, ensuring that the two agencies continue without disruption.
