President Bola Tinubu has approved the renewal of the tenures of the Director-General of the National Television Authority (NTA), Salihu Dembos, and the Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Ali Mohammed Ali, for another three-year term.
The confirmation was announced on 23 August 2026 by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy. The new term is set to begin on 20 October 2026, following the conclusion of their initial appointment, which started on 20 October 2023.
Background of the Appointees
Salihu Dembos, a native of Yola, Adamawa State, has a long history with the NTA. He joined the organisation as an announcer at the Kaduna Station in 1989, after completing his National Youth Service. Over the years, he rose through the ranks, serving as General Manager at NTA Lokoja and NTA Kano, before retiring as acting Zonal Director of the NTA Kaduna Network Centre in 2017.
After his retirement, Dembos served as executive director of marketing at the NTA. He is also a former National President of the Radio, Television, Theatre and Art Workers Union (RATTAWU).
Ali Mohammed Ali's Career and Academic Profile
Ali Mohammed Ali is a veteran journalist and media manager with more than 30 years of experience. His career has focused on media evolution and content development in a digital world, with an emphasis on meeting the needs of a diverse population through alternative news feeds.
He holds a first degree in English from Bayero University, Kano, a graduate degree in International Affairs from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and a Post Graduate Diploma in Mass Communications from Bayero University, Kano.
Presidential Directive and Expectations
President Tinubu has urged the two chief executives to justify the confidence reposed in them by continuing to demonstrate commitment to their organisations' mandates. He specifically called on them to promote the government's Renewed Hope Agenda.
The renewal, which is effective from 20 October 2026, ensures continuity in the leadership of both the NTA and NAN as they carry out their statutory responsibilities.
