The Federal Government has announced that Nigeria’s Digital Switch Over (DSO) project is fully prepared for nationwide rollout, with the official launch scheduled for June 17, 2026.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the disclosure during a visit to NIGCOMSAT facilities at the Obasanjo Space Centre on Wednesday.
The minister, who toured the facility alongside the Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Charles Ebuebu, and NIGCOMSAT Managing Director Jane Egerton-Idehen, described the development as a major achievement in the ongoing reform of Nigeria’s broadcasting sector under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Idris stated that after years of delay, Nigeria is finally ready to complete its transition from analogue to digital broadcasting, adding that the move would transform the media landscape across the country.
According to him, the digital broadcasting platform will offer significant benefits to broadcasters, viewers, and advertisers through improved audience measurement, better content delivery, and more accurate viewing analytics.
He explained that the system would also encourage competition within the industry, expand access to free television services, and improve broadcast quality from standard definition to high-definition viewing.
The minister further noted that the platform would allow Nigerians to access cleaner television signals through satellite and mobile applications supported by NIGCOMSAT technology.
Speaking during the event, NBC Director-General Charles Ebuebu said the upgraded DSO system was built to meet modern technological standards and changing viewing habits.
He revealed that the platform is expected to launch with about 100 channels, with more content providers already indicating interest in joining the service.
Ebuebu added that regional production studios and multilingual customer support centres are also being developed to strengthen the nationwide broadcasting network.
On her part, NIGCOMSAT Managing Director Jane Egerton-Idehen described the partnership between the agency and the NBC as a strategic collaboration that has improved operational efficiency and service delivery within Nigeria’s digital broadcasting sector.
She assured that ongoing investments and satellite expansion plans would ensure stable and continuous broadcasting services across the country.
Several heads of government media agencies and senior officials were also present during the facility tour.
