Stakeholders say prolonged postings, ageing equipment and poor power supply are undermining the station’s performance and staff development
By Zubairu Yamusa
Stakeholders in Nigeria’s media sector are calling for the restructuring of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria’s (FRCN) Kaduna Zonal Station, citing prolonged staff postings, ageing equipment and declining service delivery.
The stakeholders said some FRCN correspondents had remained in the same locations for more than a decade, with some rising to the rank of deputy director while continuing to serve as correspondents.
They said the practice raised concerns about compliance with civil service rules on staff postings and career progression.
One case cited by the stakeholders is that of an FRCN Kaduna reporter who has been stationed at the Presidential Villa in Abuja as a correspondent for more than 13 years.
Investigations by stakeholders also found that FRCN Kaduna was the only organisation that had not changed its correspondent at the Villa since the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
The Kaduna station, once known for its extensive coverage and large listenership across northern Nigeria, has also experienced a decline in broadcast quality in recent years, according to sources familiar with its operations.
The sources attributed the decline partly to erratic power supply and a lack of modern broadcast equipment, which they said had affected output and staff morale.
Stakeholders are urging the Minister of Information and Culture, through FRCN Director-General Muhammad Bulama, to urgently restructure the Kaduna zonal station.
They called for regular rotation of correspondents and greater opportunities for younger reporters to take on responsibilities and advance their careers.
“There is need to change the system to allow younger reporters to grow, bring in new ideas, and restore the station to its past glory,” one source said.
The calls come amid wider efforts to reposition Nigeria’s public broadcasters to respond to changing media demands and improve the quality of services provided to the public.