By our Reporter
The Federal Government has hailed a major breakthrough in Nigeria’s digital broadcasting reform programme following a broad consensus reached by key industry stakeholders on the implementation of the Digital Switch Over (DSO) initiative.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this after a high-level stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja involving regulators, broadcasters, signal distributors, content creators, satellite operators, manufacturers and other players in the media and communications industry.
The engagement, convened to address outstanding issues surrounding the rollout of the DSO programme, concluded with agreement on critical aspects of the transition, including the adoption of a hybrid broadcasting model, the continued relevance of Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT), enhanced investment protection mechanisms and sustained stakeholder collaboration.
Describing the outcome as a significant milestone, the minister said the consensus demonstrated the industry’s readiness to support the digital migration process and reposition Nigeria’s broadcasting sector for greater competitiveness and economic growth.
“The level of agreement we have achieved shows that stakeholders are aligned on the future of Nigeria’s broadcasting industry. This is a strong foundation for accelerated implementation,” Idris said.
According to the minister, stakeholders unanimously acknowledged that the Digital Switch Over extends beyond a technological transition and has the potential to create jobs, boost local content production, attract investment and strengthen Nigeria’s creative economy.
He commended participants for prioritising national development objectives over individual sectoral interests, noting that the collaborative spirit displayed during the meeting reflects a shared commitment to the success of the programme.
Idris reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to providing a stable regulatory environment, protecting investments and ensuring that all stakeholders benefit from the implementation process.
A communiqué issued at the end of the meeting underscored the need for periodic stakeholder consultations, improved business models within the broadcasting sector and greater support for local manufacturing and content development.
The communiqué also recommended the institutionalisation of quarterly stakeholder engagements to ensure continuous alignment, effective monitoring and smooth implementation of the DSO rollout.
The Federal Government reiterated its determination to work closely with industry stakeholders to deliver the programme successfully and unlock its economic and social benefits for Nigerians.
Participants at the meeting expressed a collective resolve to accelerate the digital transition in a manner that promotes sustainability, innovation and inclusive growth across the broadcasting industry.
Among those present were the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Dr. Binyerem Ukaire; Director-General of Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NigComSat), Mrs. Jane Egerton-Idehen; Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Mr. Charles Ebuebu; Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Mr. Salihu Abdullahi Dembos; Director-General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo; Chairman of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), Chief Tony Akiotu; and Chairman of Channels Television, Mr. John Momoh.
Other distinguished stakeholders and industry leaders from the broadcasting, media, technology and communications sectors also attended the meeting.
The Digital Switch Over programme is a key component of Nigeria’s broadcasting reform agenda aimed at transitioning from analogue to digital broadcasting, improving signal quality, expanding access to television services and creating new opportunities across the media value chain.
