Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has called on the Federal Government and key stakeholders to urgently reposition Nigeria’s radio sector, warning that regulatory bottlenecks and policy neglect are undermining one of the country’s most accessible and trusted media platforms.
In a statement to commemorate the 2026 World Radio Day, the organisation described radio as a critical vehicle for information dissemination, civic engagement and social inclusion, particularly for rural and underserved communities.
MRA noted that although technological advancements have transformed the media landscape, radio remains a lifeline for millions of Nigerians due to its affordability, accessibility and cultural relevance.
“Since its introduction into Nigeria in 1933, radio has continued to serve as a dependable source of news, emergency information, cultural expression and civic participation,” the group said.
The statement, signed by MRA’s Programme Officer, Ms. Adesewa Akintokun, observed that despite the growth of digital media across Nigeria and other African countries, radio remains the primary source of information for a significant segment of the population, bridging literacy gaps and connecting citizens with governance processes.
However, the organisation lamented that the sector has suffered neglect in the face of rapid digital transformation, while what it described as insensitive and, at times, exploitative regulatory practices have further weakened its sustainability.
Akintokun argued that Nigeria could significantly expand the reach and impact of radio through policy reforms, technological innovation, content development and sustainable financing.
She urged the Federal Government to collaborate with stakeholders to institute a transparent, fair and non-punitive regulatory framework. According to her, simplifying licensing procedures and reducing excessive fees, particularly for community and campus radio stations — would enhance growth and inclusivity within the sector.
Stressing the importance of regulatory certainty, she maintained that investment and innovation can only thrive in an environment where editorial independence is guaranteed and arbitrary sanctions are eliminated.
Akintokun also advised radio owners and managers to adapt to evolving audience habits by embracing digital broadcasting and streaming platforms. With Nigeria’s high mobile phone penetration, she said, online radio and podcasts offer significant opportunities to reach younger, urban audiences who may no longer rely on traditional FM/AM sets.
On content development, she encouraged operators to prioritise relevance and quality by investing in investigative journalism and public-interest programming, while expanding youth-focused content and programmes on health, entrepreneurship, agriculture and digital literacy.
She emphasised that the long-term viability of radio depends on freedom of expression, warning that independent broadcasting cannot flourish in an atmosphere of harassment, arbitrary sanctions or politically motivated licensing decisions.
Calling on governments at all levels to respect constitutional guarantees of media freedom, Akintokun urged authorities to refrain from punitive actions against broadcasters and to foster an enabling environment for diverse and community-based stations.
The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to defending the rights of broadcasters and journalists, promoting access to information and advancing media freedom as a cornerstone of democratic governance.
