Renowned Islamic scholar and cybersecurity expert, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has issued a strong call to the Northern Muslim community to prioritise strategic investment in the media industry, warning that decades of underinvestment have created what he described as a “dangerous communication deficit.”
Pantami made the call during a lecture at the International Centre for Islamic Culture and Education (ICICE) Al-Noor Mosque in Abuja, where he emphasised the urgent need for the region to own and control platforms that shape public narratives.
He argued that while Northern Nigeria and the Muslim community frequently dominate national conversations, they rarely control the platforms that define those narratives, leaving the region vulnerable to misrepresentation and external framing.
Highlighting what he described as a structural imbalance in Nigeria’s broadcast ecosystem, Pantami observed that most major privately owned television networks are headquartered in Southern Nigeria. He noted that reliance on federal presence through the Nigerian Television Authority alone is insufficient to project diverse regional perspectives.
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“He who owns the platform often sets the agenda,” Pantami stated, stressing that ownership of credible and far-reaching media institutions is not merely a commercial venture but a strategic necessity.
While acknowledging the existence of numerous radio and television stations in the North, he pointed out that many operate on a local scale and broadcast predominantly in Hausa, limiting their influence on national and global discourse.
Pantami also criticised what he described as the misdirection of some regional media outlets. Rather than focusing on critical developmental issues such as insecurity, education reform, industrial revitalisation, entrepreneurship, and trade, he said some platforms have drifted into partisan conflicts, sectarian debates, and sensational content with limited long-term value.
He warned that such practices weaken credibility and squander opportunities to reshape public perception.
Drawing inspiration from international broadcasters such as Al Jazeera, Pantami proposed the establishment of a professionally run, globally competitive media institution capable of broadcasting in English, French, and other major languages.
He emphasised that such an outlet must adhere strictly to principles of fairness, justice, and professionalism.
“Islam is fundamentally a religion of justice,” he said, adding that any faith-affiliated media platform must avoid propaganda, promote balanced reporting, amplify marginalised voices, and uphold ethical standards.
In what many observers described as a striking part of his address, Pantami challenged wealthy individuals and philanthropists in Northern Nigeria to reconsider their spending priorities.
He argued that while the construction of places of worship remains important, excessive duplication without strategic planning could divert resources from equally critical investments such as media infrastructure, education, and innovation.
“If we do not invest in telling our own story with credibility and professionalism, others will continue to define us,” he warned.
Pantami cautioned that failure to address the communication gap could lead to persistent mischaracterisation of the region on the global stage.
He reiterated the need for veteran journalists, media entrepreneurs, academics, and business leaders across Northern Nigeria to collaborate in building a credible, well-funded, and technologically advanced media institution capable of competing globally.
“This is not merely a recommendation,” he said. “It is a necessity for any community that seeks to shape its future rather than be defined by others.”