Nigeria Sets December 2028 for Final Analogue TV Switch-Off

The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced a deadline of December 2028 for the final switch-off of analogue television broadcasts, as disclosed by Charl Ebuebu, the Director General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), in an interview on Tuesday in Abuja. This transition to digital broadcasting is part of a broader strategy to repurpose the spectrum currently used for analogue broadcasts, which is considered a valuable national asset.

The NBC plans to implement this transition in phases, with public consultations involving stakeholders, including broadcasting organizations and security agencies. The transition is expected to cover various television services and will involve the development of content creation studios.

The NBC aims to measure audience progress and has completed a proof of concept in 7,000 homes in Lagos. The value of the spectrum is projected to exceed $50 billion, with consultations determining its actual worth.

The government will also develop policies based on expert input and international best practices regarding the digital switch.