New Digital Switchover Project Aims to Revolutionize Television Access in Nigeria
The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has announced an ambitious digital switchover (DSO) project that will target at least 40 million television households, offering up to 100 free-to-air channels nationwide.
In an exclusive interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NBC Director General Charles Ebuebbu described the new initiative, emphasizing that it marks a significant shift from the previous terrestrial transmission model, which had limited national coverage.
Ebuebbu explained that the satellite-based platform will vastly enhance coverage and access to free television services throughout the country. “Our goal is to reach 40 million households,” he stated, highlighting the work ahead in expanding television access in Nigeria.
The new platform aims to provide up to 100 free channels, a notable improvement over the earlier terrestrial model that, when launched by the prior administration, offered only 24 to 28 channels and was limited to eight states, with coverage reaching less than a quarter of the country. The previous approach combined terrestrial broadcasting with satellite services to cover areas with challenging terrain.
Despite the initial plans, Ebuebbu noted that achieving comprehensive terrestrial coverage would require around 160 transmission towers along with costly imported equipment, a process that could take over three years. This led to the decision to adopt a satellite-based approach, which promises complete coverage from the outset.
Currently, the new project is already transmitting more than 73 channels nationwide, with a target of expanding to 100 channels in the coming months. While the NBC will continue to regulate broadcasting in Nigeria—including radio, television, and online media—Nigeria Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) is responsible for providing the necessary satellite and terrestrial services for this digital transition.
According to Ebuebbu, this modernized DSO is expected to provide viewers with access to channels from across Nigeria, making location less of a barrier to viewing regional content. He highlighted that satellite transmission allows for rapid nationwide coverage, unlike terrestrial broadcasting that relies on a network of transmission towers.
Ebuebbu described the upgraded DSO as a superior option, offering more channels, enhanced image quality, and wider access to local content. He believes that this initiative will significantly increase the availability of local television channels throughout Nigeria, ultimately fostering national integration.
