The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), in collaboration with Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT), has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering a modern, inclusive, and commercially sustainable Digital Switch-Over (DSO) programme for Nigeria.
The Commission announced that the national launch of the new digital broadcasting framework has been scheduled for June 17, 2026, while the final analogue switch-off nationwide will take place on December 31, 2028.
After nearly two decades of consultations, pilot programmes, policy reviews, and stakeholder engagements, the NBC said Nigeria is now entering the implementation phase of what it described as a pragmatic and future-facing digital broadcasting system.
Under the Commission’s “Big Picture” strategy, the DSO framework will adopt a converged broadcasting architecture that combines Direct-to-Home (DTH) satellite delivery, Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT), and Internet Protocol (IP)-based distribution.
According to the NBC, the hybrid approach takes into account Nigeria’s geographical realities, infrastructure limitations, and affordability concerns.
Director-General of NBC, Charles Ebuebu, said the current framework aligns with existing national policy and should not be viewed as a departure from earlier government decisions.
He explained that contrary to public misconceptions, the 2012 Federal Government White Paper on DSO did not prescribe an exclusively terrestrial broadcasting model, noting that it recognised convergence and adopted both terrestrial and satellite standards, including DVB-T and DVB-S/DVB-S2 technologies.
Ebuebu stated that NIGCOMSAT’s satellite infrastructure would play a critical role in ensuring nationwide television coverage, especially in rural and underserved communities where terrestrial infrastructure has yet to achieve universal access.
The Commission further disclosed that the FreeTV platform under the DSO programme would provide baseline television services without monthly subscription charges
It noted that open-standard DVB-S2 decoders are already available in the Nigerian market at prices ranging between ₦15,000 and ₦25,000, while government is considering targeted subsidy schemes, financing arrangements, and voucher programmes to support low-income households during the transition.
NBC added that the FreeTV platform is expected to deliver more than 100 digital channels with improved picture and sound quality, including dedicated indigenous language channels aimed at promoting cultural diversity and national inclusion.
The Commission also highlighted the economic opportunities expected from the transition, saying the DSO project would create jobs and business opportunities for local manufacturers, assemblers, installers, content creators, and technology providers.
It reiterated its commitment to local manufacturing and assembly of set-top boxes and receiving equipment in line with the Federal Government’s “Nigeria First” industrial policy, while also ensuring adequate device supply nationwide during implementation.
A key component of the “Big Picture” strategy, according to the Commission, is the establishment of a nationwide audience measurement system through GARB to provide reliable audience data for broadcasters and advertisers.
NBC said the system would improve advertising efficiency, strengthen commercial decision-making, and enhance the overall economics of the broadcasting industry.
The Commission further projected that the DSO transition would unlock broader economic benefits through digital dividend spectrum utilisation, expansion of the creative economy, improved content distribution, and enhanced rural connectivity.
Managing Director of NIGCOMSAT, Jane Egerton-Ideghen, assured stakeholders that NigComSat-1R remains operational and capable of supporting FreeTV services throughout the transition period.
She disclosed that contingency arrangements, including a commercial backup satellite positioned at the 42.5°E orbital slot, had already been secured to guarantee uninterrupted service delivery.
Egerton-Ideghen added that future satellites, including NIGCOMSAT-2A and 2B, remain on schedule under a phased procurement and deployment framework.
According to her, the transition strategy has been carefully designed to prevent service disruption, mass dish repointing, or decoder incompatibility issues.
The NBC stressed that the DSO remains a national project requiring collaboration among broadcasters, signal distributors, manufacturers, advertisers, telecommunications operators, state governments, and the general public.
The Commission said a National DSO Stakeholder Meeting would be convened within 30 days after the June 17 launch to finalise implementation details and deepen industry collaboration.
