"President Tinubu Approves N10 Billion to Power Nigeria's Digital Broadcasting Revolution"

President Bola Tinubu has approved a N10 billion grant to the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to advance Nigeria’s Digital Switch-Over (DSO) process, as announced by NBC Director-General Charles Ebuebu in Abuja. He assured that the funds would be used effectively to ensure the successful completion of the DSO.

Nigeria has missed three deadlines for transitioning from analog to digital broadcasting, with the most recent target in 2022 set by previous administrations also failing. Earlier attempts in 2012 and 2020 were unsuccessful as well. A new nationwide rollout date will soon be announced, according to Ebuebu, who addressed journalists alongside Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

Ebuebu explained that the DSO process began in earnest in 2016 with the digital activation of Jos, Plateau State, but has faced significant challenges. In response, President Tinubu has approved the N10 billion grant, sourced from spectrum sales by the Federal Government, to jumpstart the initiative. The funds are intended to accelerate the transition, with NBC working closely with the NCC to achieve this goal.

The NBC DG emphasized that this grant is more than just financial support; it reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to technological progress, economic growth, and cultural enrichment through the DSO project. The goal is to ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of location, has access to superior broadband services and is included in the digital economy.

Currently, the country relies on Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) for broadcasting, which is operational in eight states despite some challenges. The new funding will support the expansion of satellite coverage nationwide, allowing all Nigerians to access the available channels and content. This collaboration between NBC and NCC signifies a strategic alliance to ensure a smooth transition to digital broadcasting.

The grant will be used for various aspects of the DSO ecosystem, including the development of diverse TV channels, leasing satellite transponders for 100% signal coverage, and implementing advanced audience measurement tools. Additionally, funds will be allocated for marketing and publicity campaigns, the establishment of world-class content production studios across geopolitical zones, the acquisition of digital set-top boxes, and the development of a FreeTV mobile app. 

The grant will also support the upgrading of a national call center and the organization of training workshops for stakeholders to emphasize the benefits of the DSO project. Dr. Maida of the NCC noted that the success of the DSO project could lead to a significant increase in data consumption, underscoring the importance of ensuring high-quality connections for the digital content delivery.