Many thanks to SWLing Post contributors David Iurescia and Richard Cuff for sharing the following article from the Voice of Nigeria which reports that the Nigerian government has officially begun restoring shortwave transmission for the Voice of Nigeria (VON).
The project focuses on bringing the 250 kW TX2 transmitter at the Lugbe station in Abuja back online after years of inactivity. Officials highlighted that this effort will strengthen Nigeria’s international broadcasting presence and amplify the country’s voice throughout Africa and beyond. The restoration underscores the government’s recognition of shortwave as an enduringly important platform in today’s evolving media landscape.
https://youtu.be/2j5gkL4VV9g Media Conference with the huge rotating antenna.
VON has broadcast in DRM in the past.
Hopefully they will use xHE AAC sound compression to allow the background transmission of pictures and text for education of students, health and rural industries.
This is promising but unfortunately it may be just the latest chapter in a sad story that has gone on for decades. I’ve lost count of how many times Nigeria has built or rebuilt SW Broadcast Centers and then let them slide into total disrepair. Nigeria is not alone in this regard. I guess we’ll have to wait to see if their long term commitment has changed.