About Us

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) is Nigeria’s premier news organization, dedicated to providing timely, accurate, and reliable news to audiences within and beyond the country. Established to bridge the information gap and promote informed decision-making, NAN serves as the nation’s most authoritative source of news and information.

Operating under a mandate to deliver credible and unbiased reporting, NAN plays a vital role in shaping public discourse, supporting national development, and maintaining journalistic excellence. By disseminating high-quality news across media organizations, government institutions, and the public, NAN ensures that the voice of Nigeria is heard on a global scale.

Through its commitment to innovation and professionalism, NAN remains a trusted partner in the evolving landscape of modern journalism, providing fact-based reporting that upholds the public interest and strengthens the nation’s democracy.

Vision Statement

To be the leading provider of timely, accurate, and unbiased news and information in Nigeria and globally, fostering a well-informed society and driving national development.

Mission Statement

To deliver reliable, high-quality news and information services to media organizations, government institutions, and the public, while maintaining the highest standards of journalism and contributing to the development of Nigeria’s media landscape.

Mandates of the Commission

  • Gathering and disseminating news and information within Nigeria and internationally.
  • Providing accurate, reliable, and timely news to media organizations, government agencies, and the public.
  • Enhancing the flow of information to promote national unity and development.
  • Serving as a central source of news and information for public and private media outlets.
  • Representing Nigeria’s news interests in the global media landscape.
  • Supporting the growth and development of journalism and media in Nigeria.

Functions of the Commission

The functions of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) include:
  • Collecting and processing news and information for dissemination.
  • Providing news services to media organizations, government institutions, and the public.
  • Ensuring the accuracy and reliability of news reports.
  • Offering news services that promote national integration and development.
  • Establishing and maintaining a network of correspondents across Nigeria and abroad.
  • Facilitating the exchange of news between Nigeria and other countries.
  • Supporting the development of media and journalism through training and capacity-building initiatives.
  • Disseminating public service information to aid government policies and programs.

Services render by the Commission

  • News reporting and dissemination.
  • Feature writing and analysis.
  • Multimedia content production (audio, video, and photographs).
  • Special publications and reports.
  • News syndication to domestic and international media outlets.
  • Online and digital news services.
  • Public service announcements and information dissemination.
  • Media consultancy and training programs.

Importance of the Commission to Nigeria

The importance of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) includes:

  • Providing accurate and reliable news to the public and media organizations.
  • Promoting national unity through unbiased and inclusive news coverage.
  • Supporting government policies by disseminating public service information.
  • Enhancing Nigeria’s representation in the global media landscape.
  • Serving as a central source of news for media houses, reducing duplication of efforts.
  • Contributing to the development of journalism and media in Nigeria.
  • Facilitating the exchange of news and cultural information internationally.
  • Ensuring timely delivery of news to keep the public informed.

Historical Background of the Commission

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) was established in 1976 by the Nigerian government as part of its efforts to centralize and improve the dissemination of news across the country and internationally. Before its creation, Nigeria’s media relied heavily on foreign news agencies for information, which often failed to accurately represent the country’s interests, culture, and perspectives. This reliance limited Nigeria’s ability to control the narrative about its own affairs and created a gap in the flow of accurate and timely local news.

NAN was founded under the News Agency of Nigeria Act to address this challenge and provide a credible, unified source of news for both domestic and international audiences. The agency was tasked with gathering, processing, and disseminating news to media organizations, government institutions, and the general public. Its establishment aimed to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on foreign news outlets, promote national development, and enhance the country’s global media presence.

The agency began operations with a network of correspondents spread across Nigeria and key international locations to ensure comprehensive coverage of newsworthy events. Over the years, NAN has grown into a reputable institution, providing a wide range of services, including real-time news reporting, feature writing, multimedia content production, and public service announcements.

Through its operations, NAN has contributed significantly to the growth of Nigeria’s media industry by offering affordable and reliable news services to both public and private media outlets. It also plays a vital role in supporting government programs, promoting national unity, and fostering international understanding of Nigeria’s socio-political and cultural landscape. Today, NAN remains a cornerstone of Nigeria’s information dissemination architecture, adapting to modern technologies and digital platforms to meet evolving media demands.

Organizational Structure

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) operates with an organizational structure designed to efficiently manage its role as a central news-gathering and dissemination body. At the apex of the agency is the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO), who oversees the overall administration, strategic direction, and operations of the agency. The MD/CEO is appointed by the federal government and is responsible for implementing policies, managing resources, and ensuring the agency fulfills its mandate.

Supporting the MD/CEO is a team of executive directors who head various key departments within the agency. These departments include News, Administration, Finance, Marketing, and Multimedia. Each department is tasked with specific functions that align with NAN’s mission of providing reliable and timely news services. The Director of News, for instance, is responsible for supervising the gathering, editing, and dissemination of news, while the Director of Marketing focuses on generating revenue through subscription services and other commercial activities.

The agency operates a network of bureaus and offices across Nigeria and internationally. These bureaus are staffed by correspondents and reporters who cover news events within their regions and relay information to the central newsroom for processing and distribution. This structure ensures comprehensive coverage of local and international news, allowing NAN to fulfill its role as a credible news source.

NAN also has a governing board that provides oversight and policy guidance. The board comprises representatives from various sectors, including government, media, and other stakeholders. This body ensures accountability and alignment with the agency’s goals.

The hierarchical setup of NAN enables efficient communication and coordination between its headquarters, regional offices, and international correspondents, ensuring timely delivery of news and information to its clients. This structure reflects NAN’s commitment to professionalism, accuracy, and responsiveness in its operations.

Summary

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) operates through a well-structured organizational framework that ensures its efficiency as Nigeria’s primary news-gathering and dissemination body. By leveraging a centralized leadership under the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO), supported by executive directors overseeing core departments, NAN maintains streamlined operations that deliver timely and accurate news services.

Its extensive network of regional and international bureaus ensures comprehensive news coverage, reflecting NAN’s commitment to professionalism and reliability. Backed by a governing board that provides strategic oversight, the agency aligns its operations with its mission to serve as a credible source of information for local and global audiences. This robust organizational structure underpins NAN’s role as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s media landscape, fostering transparency, accountability, and excellence in journalism.