Nigeria to complete digital broadcasting transition after years of delay
The Federal Government has confirmed that Nigeria will officially launch the nationwide Digital Switch Over (DSO) programme on June 17, 2026, marking the final phase of the country’s long-delayed transition from analogue to digital television broadcasting after years of missed deadlines and implementation setbacks. The announcement was made in Abuja by the Minister of Information […]
FILE PHOTO: Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris Malagi speaks during a meeting where the Nigerian Navy announced the arrest of 76 vessels over oil theft in two years, at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria, June 19, 2025. REUTERS/Marvellous Durowaiye/File Photo
The Federal Government has confirmed that Nigeria will officially launch the nationwide Digital Switch Over (DSO) programme on June 17, 2026, marking the final phase of the country’s long-delayed transition from analogue to digital television broadcasting after years of missed deadlines and implementation setbacks.
The announcement was made in Abuja by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris , during a tour of facilities at (NIGCOMSAT) located at the Obasanjo Space Centre.
The visit was attended by the Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Mr. Charles Ebuebu, and NIGCOMSAT Managing Director,Jane Egerton-Idehen , alongside other senior government officials.
Describing the development as a major breakthrough for the country’s media landscape, Idris said Nigeria was finally ready to deliver on a transition process that had lingered for years despite global moves toward digital broadcasting.
“This is a new dawn for our country,” the minister said, noting that the initiative aligns with President ’s broader reform agenda aimed at modernising critical sectors of the economy.
Nigeria’s digital migration journey began following a directive by the (ITU), which required member states to migrate from analogue to digital terrestrial broadcasting. The transition is expected to improve picture quality, expand channel capacity, and free up spectrum space for telecommunications and other digital services.
According to the minister, the new digital broadcasting ecosystem will introduce accurate audience measurement systems capable of tracking viewership patterns in real time. He explained that broadcasters and advertisers would now have access to data-driven insights on viewer behaviour, helping them make better programming and advertising decisions.
The government also believes the DSO rollout will deepen competition within the broadcasting sector by dismantling monopolistic structures that previously dominated television distribution. Idris said the new system would encourage more local content production, improve service delivery, and expand access to free-to-air television services nationwide.
Under the upgraded framework, viewers are expected to enjoy clearer High Definition (HD) television signals delivered through satellite and mobile application platforms powered by NIGCOMSAT technology. NBC Director-General Charles Ebuebu disclosed that the platform would launch with about 100 channels, with additional content providers already indicating interest in joining the service.
Officials also said the new DSO model was designed to avoid the affordability challenges that affected earlier attempts, particularly the high cost of encrypted set-top boxes, making access easier for Nigerians across the country.