NBC Launches FreeTV DTH Platform with 18-Month Free Carriage

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) unveiled ‘FreeTV’, a direct-to-home (DTH) national platform, during the 81st General Assembly of the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria in Abuja. Dr.

Charl Ebuebu, NBC's Director General, announced that the platform will launch on May 15, 2026, providing 100 high-definition channels with full nationwide coverage. For the first 18 months, qualifying broadcasters will not pay carriage fees, and the platform will meet a 60% local content quota.

The initiative is backed by a ₦60 billion investment over 17 years and aims to resolve previous digital migration challenges. The full analogue switch-off is set for December 31, 2028.

The project is part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda and aims to improve access to quality television, particularly in underserved areas, while creating thousands of jobs and enhancing local content production.