President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the renewal of appointments for the heads of two major federal media organisations, extending their tenures for another three years starting October 20, 2026. The reappointment covers Abdulhamid Salihu Dembos, Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), and Ali Mohammed Ali, Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Both executives were first appointed to their roles on October 20, 2023, and their new terms take effect immediately after the expiration of their current ones. The announcement was made in a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, via his X handle @aonanuga1956 on August 23, 2026.
Career Profiles of the Reappointed Officials
Abdulhamid Salihu Dembos, a native of Yola, Adamawa State, began his broadcasting career as an announcer at the NTA Kaduna Station in 1989, following his National Youth Service. Over the years, he rose through the ranks, serving as General Manager at NTA Lokoja and later at NTA Kano. He retired in 2017 as acting Zonal Director of the NTA Kaduna Network Centre. Before his appointment as NTA Director-General, he served as the authority's Executive Director of Marketing and also held the position of National President of the Radio, Television, Theatre and Art Workers Union (RATTAWU).
Ali Mohammed Ali brings over 30 years of journalism and media management experience to his role at NAN. He holds a first degree in English from Bayero University, Kano, a graduate degree in International Affairs from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Mass Communications from Bayero University. His work has focused on media evolution and content development, particularly in adapting to digital landscape demands and catering to audiences with diverse information needs.
President's Directives to the Renewed Officials
In confirming the reappointments, President Tinubu urged both Salihu Dembos and Ali Mohammed Ali to justify the confidence placed in them. He called on the two executives to maintain their dedication to the mandates of their organisations and to actively support the delivery of his administration's Renewed Hope Agenda.
Related Appointment in the Civil Service
In a separate development, President Tinubu also named Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan as the new head of the civil service of the federation, effective Thursday, August 27, 2026. Enitan, from Osun State, is the most senior permanent secretary in the Federal Civil Service with over seven years in the role. The appointment comes as outgoing head Didi Walson-Jack prepares to retire after reaching the statutory age of 60.
