Nasarawa State government yesterday formerly signed a contract worth N2.1 billion, for the digitalisation and upgrading of facilities at the state owned media outfit, Nasarawa Broadcasting Service (NBS), located in Lafia, the state capital and its booster station in Keffi.
The contract, which was awarded to Pinnacle Communications Nigeria Limited, a representative of an American firm, Harris Communications, is aimed at meeting the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) standards. It is also in compliance with NBC’s directive to all radio stations in Nigeria, to phase out analogue transmission equipment and go digital, in compliance with the International Broadcasting Commission standard.
Governor Almakura, who spoke through his deputy, Dameshi Barau Luka, at the occasion expressed optimism that the firm awarded the contract will fulfill its obligation of the contractual agreement by delivering within the stipulated time frame to justify the state government’s huge investment in the information sector.
Earlier in a welcome address at the occasion, the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Victoria Titi Monde, who thanked the Governor for approving the contract for the digitalisation of the media outfit, said it would go a long way to articulate and promote the policies and programmes of the state government.
While shedding lights on the award of the contract, the general manager of the station, Yusuf Musa, said the journey to the digitalisation process of the station started about five years ago and noted that if completed the state will be viewed and heard in other states and neighbouring countries such as Benin and Chad among others.?
The contract which is the biggest of all contracts ever awarded by the Congress for Progressive Change( CPC) administration in Nasarawa State since it came on board over a year ago? is expected to be delivered within three months.