Adamawa executive council approves N70m for digitalisation of state broadcast media

A section of members of Adamawa executive council at the meeting

By Sam Tor

The Adamawa State Executive Council Wednesday approved N70million as part payment to Pinnacle Communications Limited for digitalization of state-owned broadcast stations.

The Commissioner of Information and Strategy, Dr. Umar Garba Pella disclosed this shortly after the council meeting presided over by Governor Umaru Fintiri in the Council Chamber, Government House, Yola.

Governor Fintiri at the exco meeting

Dr Pella particularly explained that the contract for the digitization of Adamawa Broadcasting Corporation, (ABC), Yola and Adamawa Television Corporation (ATV), Yola was initially awarded in 2011.

The Commissioner pointed out that the contractor was done with the supply and installations in ABC while that of ATV was not fully completed due issues related to payment of the outstanding balance.

He added that the state government had an outstanding payment of over N157million and already government has approved measures to offset the balance for the full digitalization of the broadcast media.

Dr Pella said the present administration has made commitment to ensure that ATV Yola is fully digitalized that it will pay the contractor the outstanding balance to complete the project.

He further said the approval of the N70million which is the first tranche followed an agreement reached between government and the company to pay the outstanding balance of over N150million in tranches.

He disclosed that contractors were already on ground for some weeks which ensured bringing back ATV Yola on terrestrial broadcast and the contract will be completed in the next two months which will also cover ATV Booster’s station in Mubi.