Zamfara Allocates ₦1.3b for Digitalization of Radio, TV Stations, and Newspaper

The Zamfara Government has designated ₦1.3 billion in the 2024 Appropriation Bill for the digitalization of state-owned radio and television stations, as well as the Legacy Newspapers Company.

The Commissioner for Information and Culture, Mannir Haidara, revealed this in Gusau on Monday after presenting the ministry’s budget to the state House of Assembly Committee on Finance and Appropriation.

Governor Dauda Lawal presented the ₦423.5 billion 2024 Appropriation Bill to the House for approval last Thursday.

Haidara emphasized that the digitalization projects align with Lawal’s policy to revitalize the media industry in the state. He stated, “As we all know, the ministry is responsible for information dissemination in the state. We initiated various projects to upgrade the state media industry in line with the good policies and programs of Gov Lawal’s administration.”

The digitalization project will also benefit other organizations, including the Zamfara Censorship Board and Zamfara Information Technology Development Agency.

Haidara outlined the projects to be implemented, including the total renovation and supply of modern equipment to Zamfara AM Radio stations, Gold City FM Radio, State-owned Legacy Newspapers Company, and State Censorship Board. He added, “Other projects to be implemented include the building of the newly established state-owned media corporation, supply of modern equipment, computers, as well as procurement of vehicles.”

Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, Alhaji Halliru Abdullahi, commended the ministry’s performance in revenue generation and encouraged other government entities to emulate the information commissioner’s efforts in promoting the Internally Generated Revenue of the state.