By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
Nigeria has taken a major step toward its digital transformation agenda with the launch of the Digital Switch Over (DSO) platform, FreeTV, in Abuja, a move the Federal Government says will accelerate economic growth, expand connectivity, and strengthen the nation’s broadcasting industry.
The initiative forms part of a broader strategy that combines digital broadcasting, a planned 90,000-kilometre open-access fibre-optic network, and two new communications satellites to support Nigeria’s ambition of building a $1 trillion digital economy.
At the launch, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the rollout of FreeTV as the beginning of “an exciting new digital era” for broadcasting in Nigeria.
He stressed that the DSO project is far more than a technological upgrade, calling it a key pillar of the Federal Government’s drive to build a more connected, competitive, and prosperous nation.
The minister praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for prioritising digital transformation, innovation, economic growth, and critical national infrastructure.
He added that a fully implemented DSO ecosystem would generate employment, boost local manufacturing, expand audience reach, strengthen content creation, increase advertising opportunities, and unlock new revenue streams for broadcasters and creative businesses.
Idris also highlighted the advantages of digital broadcasting over analogue systems, noting that it offers superior picture and sound quality, improved audience measurement and analytics, greater accuracy, and enhanced industry competition.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NIGCOMSAT, Jane Egerton-Idehen, said the switch from analogue to digital television is a nation-building initiative designed to move Nigeria “from scarcity to abundance” by creating wider access to information and digital opportunities.
She explained that the project is expected to deliver broadcast services to more than 40 million homes while opening new opportunities for broadcasters, technology providers, investors, and content creators.
According to her, NIGCOMSAT’s satellite infrastructure is already helping bridge connectivity gaps in underserved communities, ensuring that geography does not limit access to education, entertainment, or economic opportunity.
Egerton-Idehen also commended President Tinubu for approving two additional satellites to strengthen Nigeria’s sovereign communications capacity.
Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, described the DSO launch as only “a glimpse of what’s to come,” outlining plans for nationwide digital broadcasting, a 90,000-kilometre fibre network, and the deployment of two new satellites to improve connectivity across the country.
He said the infrastructure would connect communities, schools, hospitals, businesses, and government institutions while positioning Nigeria to export digital and broadcasting services across West Africa.
He added that stronger digital infrastructure would also support emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, healthcare, finance, education, and the creative economy.
Director-General of the Nigeria Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Charles Ebuebu, said the Digital Switch Over represents the beginning of a new national communications architecture aimed at democratising access to information, stimulating investment, improving spectrum efficiency, and reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a leading digital broadcasting hub in Africa.
The event concluded with technical demonstrations of the FreeTV platform, underscoring the government’s commitment to expanding digital access and accelerating the country’s technological and economic development.
