FG Launches Free TV Platform, Projects Major Boost For Jobs, Content Industry, Economy

The Federal Government has officially launched Nigeria’s Digital Switch Over (DSO) Platform, describing it as a major investment in the country’s future and projecting significant benefits for job creation, local content development, the creative industry, and the broader economy.

“A fully implemented DSO ecosystem will create jobs, stimulate local manufacturing, expand audience reach, strengthen content production, increase advertising opportunities, and unlock new revenue streams for broadcasters and content creators,” said the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, on Wednesday at the official launch of the DSO, which took place at the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) headquarters in Abuja.
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Idris said the launch marks a major milestone in Nigeria’s broadcasting history and reflects the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to digital transformation, economic growth, innovation, and the development of critical national infrastructure. “The Digital Switch Over project is not simply a technological transition, it is a critical step towards modernising the country’s broadcasting industry”, the Minister said.

Idris described the launch as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s broadcasting history and credited the achievement to the support and leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose Renewed Hope Agenda places strong emphasis on digital transformation, economic growth, innovation, and the development of critical national infrastructure. “This launch is not merely a broadcasting milestone; it is part of a broader national effort by the Federal Government to build a more connected, more competitive, and more prosperous Nigeria,” he stated.

He disclosed that, a day before the DSO launch, extensive consultations were held with stakeholders across the broadcasting value chain, including broadcasters, signal distributors, set-top box manufacturers, content producers, NIGCOMSAT, DigiTeam, Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), and other industry players.

According to him, stakeholders reaffirmed their collective commitment to the successful implementation of the programme despite differing views on some aspects of execution. “One important message emerged clearly from that engagement: all stakeholders remain united in their commitment to the successful implementation of the Digital Switch Over programme in Nigeria”, he said.

Idris also addressed concerns regarding the implementation of the DSO, stating that the initiative is not designed to replace one technology with another, but to expand access and embrace innovation across multiple delivery platforms. “Digital Terrestrial Television remains an integral component of Nigeria’s digital broadcasting framework. What we are pursuing is a hybrid broadcasting model that combines DTT, Direct-to-Home satellite delivery, and digital application-based platforms,” the Minister stated.

He further reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting indigenous technology, supporting Nigerian manufacturers, and ensuring that local creativity remains at the centre of the broadcasting ecosystem. “The DSO must create opportunities for Nigerian businesses, Nigerian innovators, and Nigerian workers,” the Minister said.

Idris commended NIGCOMSAT, NBC, BON, ARCON, DigiTeam, broadcasters, manufacturers, and other stakeholders for their contributions to the project, noting that the launch marks the beginning of a new era for Nigerian broadcasting.

The Minister thereafter formally launched the Digital Switch Over Platform on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Also speaking at the launch, the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, described the Digital Switch Over (DSO) as a major milestone in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey. He said the initiative reflects President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to investing in critical digital infrastructure that will drive long-term economic growth. “The DSO is one of the first visible outcomes of our broader digital infrastructure strategy aimed at building a one-trillion-dollar economy,” he said.

Dr Tijani highlighted ongoing plans to deploy 90,000 kilometres of fibre-optic infrastructure across the country and the President’s approval to launch two additional satellites to strengthen Nigeria’s communications capacity.

In separate remarks, the Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Mr Charles Ebuebu, and the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NIGCOMSAT Limited, Mrs Jane Egerton-Idehen, described the launch as the beginning of a new era for broadcasting in Nigeria. “This is more than a television platform; it is a national communications architecture designed to expand access to information, education and digital opportunities for all Nigerians,” Ebuebu said.

Mrs Jane Egerton-Idehen noted that the platform, powered by NIGCOMSAT’s satellite infrastructure, will help bridge connectivity gaps and support the growth of Nigeria’s creative and digital economy. “It creates new opportunities for content creators, broadcasters, manufacturers, investors and technology providers, while strengthening Nigeria’s position as Africa’s leading digital broadcasting ecosystem,” Idehen stated.

The Special Guest of Honour, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu described the launch as a significant national achievement that demonstrates the power of collaboration between government and industry stakeholders. “This initiative will expand access to quality broadcasting services, create jobs, stimulate investment and unlock new opportunities across the media and creative sectors,” he said.

According to the Deputy Speaker, the successful rollout of the platform reflects President Tinubu’s vision for digital transformation and economic growth, while advancing Nigeria’s goal of building a more connected, competitive and prosperous economy.

Economy

The event was attended by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Dr Binyerem C. Ukaire; the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Engr. Nadungu Gagare, FNSE, the Chairman of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), Senior High Chief Tony Akiotu, the Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority, (NTA), Salihu Abdullahi Dembos; Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria, (VON), Jibrin Baba Ndace; Director-General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, (FRCN), Mohammed Bulama; and Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, (NOA), Lanre Issa-Onilu, the Director-General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), Dr Olalekan Olumuyiwa Fadolapo, as well as other distinguished dignitaries and stakeholders from across the broadcasting and communications sectors.

Rabiu Ibrahim, mnipr
Special Assistant (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation.
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Wednesday, June 17, 2026