Barely a week after the Federal Government fixed June 17, 2026, for the nationwide rollout of Nigeria's long-delayed Digital Switchover (DSO), the initiative is already facing fierce opposition from broadcasters and industry stakeholders.
Background of the DSO
The Federal Government, through the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and NIGCOMSAT, had promised citizens access to 100 free channels via a satellite-first model branded "Free TV." NBC's Director-General, Dr. Charles Ebuebu, admitted in April 2026 that N60 billion had been spent over 17 years, yet digital terrestrial signals had reached only eight states.
Criticism from Broadcasters
The Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), in a letter dated May 19, 2026, addressed to Ebuebu, stated that the platform being prepared for commissioning does not qualify as a true digital switchover but rather amounts to a Direct-To-Home (DTH) satellite television distribution service. BON warned that this pivot violates the 2012 white paper, risks wasting public funds, and creates a conflict of interest by turning NBC from a regulator into a competitor. "Is the referee now playing the match?" BON queried, pointing to NBC's role as a content aggregator on its Free TV platform.
Key Contradictions Identified
Sources within the DSO ecosystem listed four contradictions in the entire process:
- DTT vs Satellite: The ITU mandate requires clearing terrestrial frequencies for telecoms use. A satellite-only model leaves ground frequencies untouched, potentially stalling spectrum auctions worth trillions of naira.
- Regulator vs Competitor: NBC is legally tasked with regulation, not aggregation. By bundling channels, it risks overstepping its statutory powers and undermining the separation of roles designed to prevent monopoly.
- Legal Roadmap Bypassed: BON and the Set-Top Box Manufacturers Association argued that NBC is executing a "unilateral migration" without a gazetted amendment to the 2012 framework, which could render the June 17 launch unlawful.
- Economic Burden: While the government insists the service is free, satellite delivery requires dishes, decoders, and professional installation costs that many low-income Nigerians cannot afford. Ordinary antennas used for DTT are far cheaper, raising questions about whether "Free TV" is truly free.
Calls for Accountability
Veteran broadcaster Aderemi Ogunpitan urged civil society groups, such as SERAP, to demand financial and legal accountability. Stakeholders also said that without transparency, the N60 billion already spent could be wasted, and the June 17 rollout may collapse under regulatory contradictions.
