The Federal Government has officially launched Nigeria’s Digital Switch Over (DSO) programme, a major initiative aimed at migrating the country from analogue to digital terrestrial television broadcasting.
The government said the programme is expected to reach about 40 million homes nationwide, generate more than N600 billion in economic opportunities, create jobs and improve access to quality broadcasting services.
The launch ceremony, held in Abuja on Wednesday, marks a significant step in Nigeria’s long-delayed transition to digital broadcasting, a project that has remained in the pipeline for several years.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, described the rollout as a key milestone in Nigeria’s digital transformation efforts and a contributor to the administration’s goal of building a $1 trillion economy.
According to him, the initiative goes beyond broadcasting and will improve access to information, education and cultural content while ensuring that citizens in remote communities are not left behind.
“Today, Nigeria joins the ranks of nations that have embraced modern digital broadcasting infrastructure to serve their people,” Tijani said.
The minister explained that the digital switchover forms part of a broader national strategy to strengthen digital infrastructure across the country.
He disclosed that the Federal Government is currently implementing a 90,000-kilometre fibre-optic network project and has also secured two new satellites to enhance communications services nationwide.
Tijani noted that the fibre network would connect communities, businesses, institutions and public services while extending digital connectivity to border areas and neighbouring countries.
He added that the investments would position Nigeria to export digital and broadcasting services across the West African region.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Charles Ebuebu, described the initiative as a major step towards building a new communications architecture for the country.
According to him, the project will create opportunities for content creators, broadcasters, manufacturers and investors while promoting media diversity and improving spectrum efficiency.
“The initiative represents our collective ambition to expand access to information, stimulate investment, empower local manufacturers and strengthen Nigeria’s broadcasting ecosystem,” he said.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NigComSat Limited said the Digital Switch Over programme is more than a broadcasting upgrade, describing it as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s digital future.
She noted that apart from the projected N600 billion economic opportunities, the programme would deliver better picture quality, improved sound, greater content diversity and enhanced viewing experiences for millions of Nigerians.
The initiative is also expected to provide new opportunities for broadcasters, content creators, technology providers and investors while helping bridge connectivity gaps in underserved communities.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the launch as the culmination of years of planning and collaboration among government agencies and industry stakeholders.
According to him, the project aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises digital transformation, innovation and infrastructure development.
He said a fully implemented digital broadcasting ecosystem would create jobs, boost local manufacturing, strengthen content production and open up new revenue streams for broadcasters and content creators.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, also described the digital transition as a transformative development comparable to the impact of electricity, railways and the internet.
He stressed that digital infrastructure has become critical to national development and economic competitiveness, adding that the National Assembly would continue to support policies that promote digital inclusion and technological advancement.
The Digital Switch Over programme is expected to accelerate Nigeria’s migration to digital broadcasting, improve spectrum utilisation and expand access to digital television services across the country while supporting broader economic growth and development goals.
Punch
