Tinubu Picks Rotimi Pedro as New NTA Director-General

In what appears to be a strategic shake-up at the nation’s public broadcaster, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of a new leadership team for the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Politics Nigeria has learned.

According to documents seen by this newspaper, the appointments, conveyed through a presidential directive are as follows:

Mr. Rotimi Pedro – Director-General, NTA
Karima Bello – Executive Director, Marketing
⁠Stella Din – Executive Director, News
⁠Sophia Essahmed – Managing Director, NTA Enterprises Ltd
While the Presidency has yet to issue a formal statement, sources within the information sector say the changes are part of Tinubu’s broader media realignment strategy ahead of the 2027 general elections, aimed at boosting NTA’s competitiveness and aligning its messaging with the administration’s priorities.

NTA, Africa’s largest TV network by reach, has faced mounting pressure in recent years to modernise its operations and regain influence in a rapidly evolving media environment. The incoming team is expected to overhaul programming, expand digital penetration, and revitalise the network’s revenue base.

Political watchers note that the appointments bring in a mix of industry insiders and private-sector heavyweights, signalling Tinubu’s intent to blend public service broadcasting with commercial agility.

The move is already generating quiet ripples in Abuja’s media and political circles, with speculation that more changes could follow in other state-run media organisations.