Media Rights Agenda (MRA) on Friday urged Nigeria’s federal government and other stakeholders to take urgent steps to revitalise the country’s radio sector, saying the medium remains critical for democratic participation and social inclusion despite rapid technological change.
In a statement marking World Radio Day 2026, the advocacy group described radio as one of the most accessible and trusted platforms for information and civic engagement, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
MRA said radio has served as a “lifeline for millions” since its introduction in Nigeria in 1933, providing timely news, emergency alerts, cultural expression and a channel for public participation.
Its Programme Officer, Adesewa Akintokun, said radio continues to be the primary source of information for large segments of the population across Nigeria, bridging literacy gaps and linking citizens with government and governance processes.
However, the organisation said the sector has been largely neglected as digital technologies reshape the media landscape, while regulatory practices have further weakened its sustainability.
“Nigeria can significantly boost the use of radio by combining policy reform, technological innovation, content development, and sustainable financing,” Akintokun said, adding that radio remains especially important for low-income and low-literacy communities.
She called for a transparent, non-punitive regulatory framework, including simplified licensing procedures and reduced fees, particularly for community and campus radio stations.
Akintokun said regulatory certainty would encourage investment and innovation, and urged authorities to protect the editorial independence of both government-owned and private broadcasters while preventing arbitrary sanctions.
She also advised radio operators to adapt to changing audience habits by expanding digital broadcasting, streaming platforms, online radio and podcasts, noting that Nigeria’s high mobile phone penetration could help broadcasters reach urban youth audiences.
Akintokun urged radio stations to improve content quality and relevance by investing in investigative journalism and public-interest programming, developing youth-focused shows and expanding coverage of issues such as health, entrepreneurship, agriculture and digital literacy.
She warned that radio’s long-term value depends on media freedom, saying independent broadcasting cannot thrive where journalists are harassed, licences are politically manipulated or stations are arbitrarily sanctioned.
MRA called on governments at all levels to uphold constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression and create an enabling environment for diverse and community-based radio stations.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to defending the rights of journalists and broadcasters, and promoting media freedom as a pillar of democracy.