By Izuchukwu Mayor, Lagos
Media Rights Agenda (MRA), today, called on the Federal Government and other stakeholders to take urgent measures to revitalize the radio sector in Nigeria.
MRA argued that despite the rapidly evolving technological environment, which is also changing the media and communication landscape.
It added that the affordability, accessibility, and cultural resonance of radio make it uniquely positioned to strengthen democratic participation and social inclusion in the country, if properly supported.
In a statement on the occasion of the 2026 World Radio Day, MRA described the radio as “one of the most accessible, trusted, and powerful platforms for information, education, and democratic participation.”
It also noted that since its introduction into Nigeria in 1933, the “radio has remained a lifeline for millions of people, particularly in rural and underserved communities, where it has been a means for accessing and facilitating timely news, emergency alerts, cultural expression, and civic engagement.”
Since its introduction into Nigeria in 1933, the radio has remained a lifeline for millions of people, particularly in rural and underserved communities, where it has been a means for accessing and facilitating timely news, emergency alerts, cultural expression, and civic engagement.
MRA’s Programme Officer, Ms Adesewa Akintokun, noted that despite the growth of digital media in Nigeria and across other parts of Africa, radio continues to be the primary source of information for large segments of the population.
It brings them news and information, bridging literacy gaps and connecting citizens to Governments and governance processes.
It decried that with digital technologies reshaping the media landscape, the radio sector had become largely neglected while insensitive and, sometimes, rapacious regulatory practices are further undermining its viability and sustainability.
Ms Akintokun said: “Nigeria can significantly boost the use of radio by combining policy reform, technological innovation, content development, and sustainable financing as radio remains one of the most accessible platforms in the country, especially in rural, low-literacy, and low-income communities.”
She called on the Federal Government to work with other stakeholders to ensure that the radio sector is overseen by a transparent and non-punitive oversight framework, including by simplifying licensing processes and reducing excessive fees, particularly for community and campus radio stations.
Insisting that the enduring value of radio depends on its freedom, she stressing that independent radio cannot thrive where journalists face harassment, stations are arbitrarily sanctioned, licenses are politically manipulated, or content is unduly restricted.
Ms Akintokun therefore called on governments at all levels to uphold constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression and media freedom, refrain from punitive regulatory actions against broadcasters, and create an enabling environment for diverse and community-based radio stations.
She also reaffirmed MRA’s commitment to defending the rights of broadcasters and journalists, promoting access to information, and advancing media freedom as a cornerstone of democracy.
