The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has announced a nationwide expansion of digital television coverage, supported by a N10 billion grant recently approved by President Bola Tinubu.
NBC’s Director-General, Charles Ebuebu, made the announcement during a joint press conference held in Abuja on Thursday, alongside the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida. The expansion is a critical step in advancing Nigeria’s Digital Switch-Over (DSO) project, which has faced numerous challenges since its inception in 2016.
Ebuebu revealed that while Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) services have already been launched in eight states, the new phase will utilize satellite technology to extend coverage to every corner of Nigeria. “We have launched in eight states already, and they are up and running, even with some challenges. But now, we are going to have satellite coverage that will cover the entire nation all at once,” Ebuebu stated.
The N10 billion grant marks the first phase of a broader initiative aimed at transitioning the country to full digital broadcasting. This funding is part of a larger effort by the Federal Government to reinvigorate the DSO project, overcoming previous obstacles and accelerating the nationwide rollout.
“This grant is not just a financial allocation; it is a testament to Mr. President’s collective commitment to driving technological advancement, economic growth, and cultural enrichment through the DSO project,” Ebuebu noted, highlighting the administration’s dedication to transforming the media sector.
Key priorities of the project include the development of a diverse array of television channels, leasing satellite capacity to achieve nationwide signal coverage, and implementing advanced audience measurement tools. These efforts aim to fulfill the promise of the DSO by providing Nigerians with enhanced broadcasting services.
As part of a strategic partnership, the NBC and NCC will collaborate closely to ensure the seamless execution of this initiative. The grant will also support public education campaigns, the establishment of state-of-the-art content production studios, and the distribution of digital set-top boxes to households across the country. Additionally, the development of a FreeTV mobile app and an upgraded national call center will further enhance access to digital content and customer service.
“Adopting digital broadcasting standards will align Nigeria with global norms, enhancing our competitiveness and attracting foreign investments,” Ebuebu stated. “Digital broadcasting will bridge the digital divide, ensuring access to vital information, education, and entertainment for remote and underserved communities.”
A new date for the nationwide rollout will be announced soon, according to Ebuebu.
In his remarks, Dr. Maida pledged the NCC’s full support for NBC in the nationwide rollout of digital television services. He emphasized the strategic partnership between the two commissions, with NBC leading the digital switchover project and the NCC ensuring that the telecommunications sector is prepared to meet the demands of the new digital landscape.
“We will be working very closely but led by NBC. We will provide support where needed and ensure that the communication sector is ready,” Maida said.
He further noted that the success of the digital transition, particularly in delivering high-quality content, is expected to drive a substantial increase in data usage across Nigeria. “If we do this right, especially if we get the right content, it is going to lead to a huge explosion in the consumption of data,” he added.
