Nigeria to Launch Free TV for 40 Million Households

The Nigerian government has announced a digital switch project targeting to reach 40 million households with 100 free-to-air television channels across the country. Charl Ebuebu, the Director General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), disclosed this in an exclusive interview in Abuja.

The new strategy will replace the previous terrestrial transmission model, which had limited nationwide coverage due to the need for 160 transmission towers and costly equipment. The satellite-based platform aims to significantly increase access to free television services, providing coverage in areas where terrestrial signals are blocked by terrain.

Currently, 73 channels are being transmitted nationwide, with a target to reach 100 channels within a month. The NBC will continue to regulate broadcasting in Nigeria, ensuring that satellite services cover not just Nigeria but the entire sub-Saharan Africa.

This initiative is expected to enhance access to Nigerian content and improve the quality of broadcast services.