President Bola Tinubu has ordered the reinstatement of the Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority, Mr. Salihu Abdullahi Dembos, and the Executive Director of News, Mr. Ayo Adewuyi.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed the development in a statement on Tuesday.
The statement is titled ‘President Tinubu recalls DG of NTA, ED News; sets aside fresh appointments.’
Dembos, who was appointed in October 2023, had briefly vacated office following new appointments at the agency.
He has now been directed to return and complete his three-year tenure.
Similarly, the President directed the recall of Mr Ayo Adewuyi, the Executive Director of News, to complete his three-year tenure, which ends in 2027.
“The new directive effectively reversed the previously announced appointments of a director-general, executive director of news, executive director of marketing, and managing director of NTA Enterprises,” the statement added.
Reports have it that the new directive sets aside recent management changes at the state-owned broadcaster.
The NTA, established in 1977, is Nigeria’s public broadcaster and one of Africa’s largest television networks, with stations spread across the country.
Over the years, the organisation has played a central role in government communication and national broadcasting.
However, it has also faced criticism over issues of efficiency, funding, and competition from private media outlets.
Dembos, a broadcast professional with decades of experience, previously served in different capacities within the NTA before his elevation as director-general.
His reinstatement signals Tinubu’s preference for continuity in the management of the national broadcaster.
