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President Bola Tinubu has approved a ₦10 billion grant for the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to advance Nigeria’s Digital Switch-Over (DSO) project. The announcement was made by the Director-General of NBC, Mr. Charles Ebuebu, during a joint press conference in Abuja with Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC).
The DSO project, initiated by the Federal Government in 2008, aims to transition from analogue to digital broadcasting. This transition is expected to enhance the quality and reach of television programming, increase access to television services across Nigeria, and free up valuable spectrum for other uses.
Under this initiative, the NBC plans to collaborate closely with the NCC and the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) to ensure the success of the DSO project. Mr. Ebuebu emphasized that the grant is a significant step towards overcoming the challenges that have stalled the DSO process, which began in earnest in 2016.
“This grant is not just a financial allocation; it is a testament to Mr. President’s collective commitment to driving technological advancement, economic growth, and cultural enrichment through the DSO project,” said Ebuebu.
The grant will be used for various critical areas, including:
– Developing and managing diverse television channels.
– Leasing transponders and establishing a satellite backbone for 100% signal coverage across Nigeria.
– Audience measurement, marketing, and publicity.
– Content production studios and digital set-top boxes.
– Enhancing the FreeTV APP and conducting training sessions for stakeholders.
Adopting digital broadcasting standards will align Nigeria with global norms, boost competitiveness, and attract foreign investments. Additionally, it will help bridge the digital divide, ensuring that remote and underserved communities have access to vital information, education, and entertainment.
Dr. Maida of the NCC highlighted the importance of convergence in the media landscape, noting that “about 90% of the media we consume today is not traditional broadcast.” He stressed the need for the DSO project to create content that accommodates this shift, particularly the demand for real-time interaction, which traditional broadcasting platforms struggle to provide.
