The Federal Government has announced that Nigeria will complete its transition from analogue to digital television broadcasting in June 2026, with a nationwide Digital Switch Over (DSO) programme scheduled for official unveiling. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this during a facility tour of the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) in Abuja.
End of Uncertainty
Idris stated that the June rollout marks a turning point for Nigeria's broadcasting industry, ending years of uncertainty over the migration. He emphasised that viewers will enjoy clearer signals in High Definition (HD) and access channels via mobile apps and satellite services powered by NIGCOMSAT across Nigeria and parts of sub-Saharan Africa.
Revived Process
The minister noted that the President Bola Tinubu administration revived the process through stronger collaboration among the Ministry of Information, NIGCOMSAT, and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC). The new digital platform will improve broadcasting standards, advertising systems, and audience measurement.
Idris explained that the system provides accurate audience data, helping broadcasters and advertisers understand viewer preferences. He added that the platform ends monopoly in television distribution and encourages healthy competition.
Unlike previous DSO attempts with encrypted set-top boxes that increased costs, the current model makes access easier and more affordable. Nigeria's journey to digital broadcasting began over a decade ago following an International Telecommunications Union (ITU) directive, but faced delays due to funding, infrastructure gaps, and policy inconsistencies.
