President Bola Tinubu has directed the reinstatement of the Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Mr Salihu Abdullahi Dembos, and the Executive Director of News, Mr Ayo Adewuyi, effectively setting aside recent management changes.

Dembos, who was first appointed as DG in October 2023, is now to return to his post and complete his statutory three-year tenure. The President also reaffirmed the appointment of Adewuyi, who assumed office in 2024 and whose tenure is due to run until 2027.

The decision by the Presidency nullifies the previously announced appointments of a new director-general, executive director of news, executive director of marketing, and managing director of NTA.

Presidency sources said the move was aimed at ensuring stability, continuity, and respect for tenure in federal institutions. The directive is also seen as part of the administration’s effort to maintain professionalism and avoid disruptions in critical government agencies.

The NTA, Africa’s largest television network, has, over the years, played a central role in government communication and national broadcasting.

The reaffirmation of Dembos and Adewuyi is expected to provide clarity on the leadership of the organisation following recent uncertainties. Recall that President Tinubu had last month, August 20, announced Rotimi Richard Pedro (Lagos, South-West) as the Director-General, NTA; Karimah Bello (Katsina, North-West) as the Executive Director, Marketing; Stella Din (Plateau, North-Central) as Executive Director, News; and Sophia Issa Mohammed (Adamawa, North-East) as the Managing Director, NTA Enterprises Limited.

A statement posted on the Presidency’s official X handle, @NGRPresident, had said the appointments took immediate effect.