Nigeria's Digital Switchover: 100 Channels Join Free-to-Air

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) announced that over 100 channels have signed on to provide free-to-air content as part of Nigeria's digital switchover (DSO) program. This initiative, which has faced delays since its launch in 2008, aims to modernize the country's broadcasting landscape.

NBC's Director General, Mr. Charl Ebuebu, emphasized that the DSO will deliver clearer picture quality and sound, ensuring every family has access to free channels.

The project, which has seen a financial boost of N10 billion approved by President Bola Tinubu in August 2024, aims for a nationwide rollout by May 2026. Currently, 57 channels are already accessible via the FreeTV app and NigComSat satellite platform.

The DSO is expected to unlock opportunities for local content creators, with 40% of channel slots allocated to independent regional producers, thereby revitalizing Nigerian storytelling and enhancing the creative economy.