The Federal Government has launched FreeTV, a new digital television platform aimed at expanding access to broadcasting and introducing free digital TV services for Nigerians.
The initiative, unveiled on June 17, is part of Nigeria’s Digital Switch-Over (DSO) programme and is designed to give households access to over 100 television channels without monthly subscription fees. The channels include news, sports, movies, music, educational programmes, children’s content, and indigenous language channels.
The service will be available in major cities and rural communities through satellite and terrestrial transmission, as well as the FreeTV mobile application. According to the government, users will not need to buy new television sets, as existing TVs can work with compatible DVB-T2 or DVB-S2 decoders. Many households with free-to-air decoders may already be able to access the platform.
The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) said the platform is part of efforts to promote digital inclusion and ensure wider access to broadcasting services regardless of income or location. It is also expected to support local content production and create jobs in the creative and broadcasting industries.
Regional production centres in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Kano, and Benin are expected to serve as hubs for content creation, providing opportunities for media professionals such as producers, editors, camera operators, sound engineers, and technicians.
The launch marks another step in Nigeria’s transition from analogue to digital broadcasting, with the final analogue switch-off scheduled for December 31, 2028.
Authorities have urged Nigerians to check decoder compatibility and explore the new platform as the country moves toward a fully digital broadcasting system.
