MRA Urges Government, Stakeholders to Revive Radio Sector on World Radio Day
By Aishat J. Ahmad
The Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has called on the Federal Government and key industry stakeholders to urgently revitalize Nigeria’s radio sector, stressing that radio remains one of the most affordable and accessible platforms for information and civic engagement despite rapid changes in technology and media consumption.
In the statement signed by its Programme Officer, Ms. Adesewa Akintokun MRA on Friday,described radio as a powerful tool for information, education, emergency alerts, cultural expression, and democratic participation, noting that since its introduction in Nigeria in 1933, the medium has remained a lifeline for many citizens.
The call was made on Friday in Lagos in a statement issued to mark the 2026 World Radio Day, where the organization highlighted the continuing importance of radio to millions of Nigerians, especially those in rural and underserved communities.
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The group explained that although digital media is expanding across Nigeria and Africa, radio is still the primary source of news and public information for large segments of the population because it bridges literacy gaps and connects citizens with government policies and governance processes.
MRA, however, expressed concern that the radio sector has been largely neglected in recent years, saying that harsh and sometimes exploitative regulatory practices are weakening its sustainability and discouraging growth and innovation.
According to Ms. Akintokun, Nigeria can significantly improve the performance and reach of radio through policy reforms, technological innovation, better content development, and sustainable financing models targeted at broadcasters.
She urged the Federal Government to collaborate with regulators and industry players to establish a transparent and non-punitive oversight framework by simplifying licensing processes and reducing high registration and renewal fees, particularly for community and campus radio stations.
The organization also called for regulatory certainty that protects editorial independence in both public and private radio stations and prevents arbitrary sanctions, arguing that such an environment will attract investment and strengthen public trust in broadcasting.
MRA advised radio owners and managers to adapt to changing audience habits by embracing digital broadcasting, streaming services, and podcasts, noting that high mobile phone usage in Nigeria provides an opportunity to reach more young and urban listeners beyond traditional FM and AM signals.
It further encouraged broadcasters to improve programme quality by investing in investigative and public-interest journalism and expanding youth-focused and development-oriented content in areas such as health, agriculture, entrepreneurship, and digital literacy.
The organization stressed that radio can only thrive where media freedom is protected, warning that harassment of journalists, political manipulation of licenses, and undue content restrictions threaten the sector’s future.
MRA reaffirmed its commitment to defending broadcasters’ and journalists’ rights and promoting access to information, while urging governments at all levels to uphold freedom of expression and create an enabling environment for diverse and community-based radio stations.