The federal government has fixed December 2028 as the target date for completing Nigeria's full transition from analogue to digital television broadcasting, while simultaneously launching a new free-to-air platform called FreeTV.
NBC Confirms Timeline and Economic Value of Spectrum
Charles Ebuebu, Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), confirmed the timeline in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, noting that the shutdown would be implemented in stages. "We put a timeline for analogue switch-off. Before that time, a lot of things will be put in place. This is just phase one," he said.
Ebuebu also disclosed that the commission's audience measurement work is progressing, with a proof-of-concept exercise already completed in approximately 7,000 homes in Lagos and implementation now underway in Abuja.
On the economic rationale for the transition, the NBC chief stated that the radio frequency spectrum currently occupied by analogue broadcasters represents a significant national resource. "I won't put a sum to it, but it is valued upwards of about $50 billion. Consultants will determine its actual value before allocation," he explained. He added that the freed spectrum would be made available to telecommunications companies, fintech firms, and application developers.
Policy Framework for Redundant Equipment
The NBC is also developing a policy framework to handle broadcasting equipment that becomes redundant after the transition. Ebuebu said the policy would align with international best practices, with reusable equipment potentially repurposed and assets that cannot be salvaged transferred to the government for disposal, thereby reducing the risk of industrial waste.
Under the Digital Switch Over White Paper, broadcasters are required to separate content production from transmission, with distribution handled by licensed signal carriers such as NIGCOMSAT.
FreeTV Brings Over 100 Channels at No Cost
The newly launched FreeTV platform gives Nigerians access to more than 100 television channels without any monthly subscription fees. Viewers can receive signals through compatible digital decoders, satellite and terrestrial connections, or mobile devices, covering content across news, education, entertainment, sports, and children's programming.
The government described FreeTV as a component of Nigeria's broader Digital Switch Over (DSO) programme, and said it is expected to stimulate local content production, generate employment, and reinforce the country's creative sector.
Upcoming phases will expand the programme to include paid television tiers, studio facilities, and designated production centres for content creators. The NBC said it would engage industry bodies, including the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria, before advancing those subsequent stages.
MultiChoice Holds DStv Prices Steady
In related industry news, MultiChoice has confirmed that DStv subscription prices will remain unchanged in 2026, a departure from its usual annual price adjustments. The move is part of the company's efforts to win back lost subscribers amid challenges from streaming services. In recent years, the South African pay-TV giant has faced competition from global platforms including Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video.
