The Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) and Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) have entered into a partnership for the station to broadcast some of VIMN programming content under its MTV base brand.

At the agreement signing ceremony in Abuja recently, the Senior Vice President and Managing director of VIMN, Africa, Mr. Alex Okosi said under the deal, VIMN would also provide skills training and workshops in TV production for NTA member stations and personnel to help develop local production expertise.

"We are excited that our partnership with NTA will expand the footprint of our content in Nigeria, bringing new viewers in touch with the VIMN portfolio," he said.

Some children programmes such as Dora the Explorer, the Penguins of Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda and Sponge bob would be broadcasted from the nickelodeon stable while lifestyle and reality programmes would also be available, Okosi added.

The Acting Director General of NTA, Mr. Musa Mayaki said the agreement was long overdue adding that the network would make sure that none of the programmes contain violent content or content capable of affecting children negatively.

He gave the assurance that the listed programmes have already been checked and approved for broadcast to children.

"Guided by our vision and mission statements that are driven by our aspirations to be a world class television network, this partnership between NTA and VIMN Africa will further strengthen the scope of our creative empire," Mayaki noted.