The Federal Government has announced plans to launch a nationwide free digital television platform on June 17 as part of efforts to advance Nigeria’s digital television rollout under the Digital Switch Over (DSO) programme. The initiative is designed to provide broader access to free-to-air channels and improve broadcasting quality across the country. The government said the digital television rollout will be implemented through a satellite-based distribution model.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed the development during a facility inspection at the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT). He stated that the project marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s transition from analogue to digital broadcasting. The minister explained that the digital television rollout will enable nationwide coverage using existing satellite infrastructure.
According to Idris, the platform is expected to deliver improved picture quality, wider channel availability, and expanded audience measurement capacity. He noted that the initiative represents the culmination of years of planning and coordination between relevant government agencies, including the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and the Ministry of Communications. The digital television rollout is also expected to integrate both broadcast and digital technologies for improved service delivery.
The minister said the government had previously faced challenges in implementing the DSO programme due to infrastructure limitations and funding constraints. However, he stated that renewed collaboration between agencies has made the current phase of the digital television rollout feasible. He added that the system would be accessible nationwide from launch.
Idris further explained that the platform would operate on a satellite-first approach, supported by the NigComSat-1R satellite. He said this model would eliminate the need for expensive terrestrial transmission infrastructure while ensuring coverage across urban and rural communities. The digital television rollout is expected to allow viewers to access multiple channels without subscription fees.
He also noted that the platform would initially begin with standard definition broadcasting before transitioning to high definition services. According to him, this phased approach is intended to ensure smooth adoption and system stability during the early stages of the digital television rollout.
The minister stated that the project aligns with Nigeria’s broader objective of strengthening the creative industry, improving access to information, and enhancing the efficiency of the broadcasting sector. He added that partnerships with stakeholders in the telecommunications and broadcasting industries remain central to the implementation process.
The government also indicated that the platform is already undergoing testing ahead of its official launch date. Officials said further expansion phases would follow after the initial rollout to increase channel offerings and improve technical capabilities.
