Nigeria is set to complete its long-delayed transition from analogue to digital broadcasting as the Federal Government has scheduled June 17, 2026, for the official nationwide launch of the Digital Switch Over (DSO) project.
Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, disclosed this during a visit to the facilities of NIGCOMSAT at the Obasanjo Space Centre in Abuja.
He said the DSO platform is now fully ready for commissioning, describing the milestone as a key achievement under President Bola Tinubu’s reform agenda for the broadcast industry.
Idris said the completion of the digital migration marks a turning point for Nigeria’s media and entertainment landscape.
“We think this is a new dawn for our country. The promise that President Tinubu made to reform all sectors is now being seen in action in the broadcast industry,” he said.
He explained that the shift to digital broadcasting would significantly improve content delivery, audience measurement, and advertising efficiency across the country.
According to him, the new system will allow broadcasters and advertisers to access accurate viewership data, including what audiences are watching and how many people are tuned in at any given time.
The Minister noted that the DSO will deepen competition in the broadcast sector, expand access to free-to-air television, and improve signal quality nationwide.
He added that Nigeria is moving from Standard Definition (SD) to High Definition (HD) broadcasting, with satellite and mobile applications powered by NIGCOMSAT expected to enhance coverage and clarity.
“The monopoly has been broken. Everybody is going to compete. Content is going to grow, viewership will grow,” he said.
The Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission, Charles Ebuebu, said the upgraded DSO framework is designed to align with modern viewing habits and emerging technologies.
He revealed that about 100 channels are expected to be available at launch, with more content providers already expressing interest.
Ebuebu also noted plans for regional production studios and multilingual customer support centres to support nationwide rollout and inclusivity.
Jane Egerton-Idehen, NIGCOMSAT Managing Director, described the collaboration between NIGCOMSAT and NBC as a strategic partnership that has strengthened Nigeria’s digital broadcasting ecosystem.
She said ongoing investments in satellite infrastructure will ensure reliable and continuous service delivery across the country.
“The work has only just started. The work has only just begun,” she said.
The minister was accompanied on the facility tour by senior officials from the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Voice of Nigeria (VON), Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), and the National Orientation Agency (NOA), underscoring a coordinated government push toward the full digital transition.
With the June 17 rollout, Nigeria moves closer to ending analogue broadcasting and fully embracing a digital-first media environment aimed at improving access, quality, and industry competitiveness.
