By our Reporter
The Federal Government has officially launched Nigeria’s Digital Switch Over (DSO) platform, describing the initiative as a transformative investment that will drive job creation, boost local content development, strengthen the creative industry and stimulate economic growth.
Speaking at the national launch of the Digital Switch Over platform at the headquarters of the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) in Abuja on Wednesday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the project marks a major milestone in Nigeria’s broadcasting history and reflects the Tinubu administration’s commitment to digital transformation, innovation and economic development.
According to the minister, a fully implemented DSO ecosystem will create employment opportunities, support local manufacturing, expand audience reach, enhance content production, increase advertising opportunities and unlock new revenue streams for broadcasters and content creators.
“The Digital Switch Over project is not simply a technological transition; it is a critical step towards modernising Nigeria’s broadcasting industry and positioning it for future growth,” Idris said.
He noted that the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises digital transformation, critical infrastructure development and economic competitiveness.
“This launch is not merely a broadcasting milestone; it is part of a broader national effort by the Federal Government to build a more connected, more competitive and more prosperous Nigeria,” the minister added.
Idris disclosed that extensive consultations were held with stakeholders across the broadcasting value chain ahead of the launch, including broadcasters, signal distributors, set-top box manufacturers, content producers, NIGCOMSAT, DigiTeam, the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) and other industry players.
He said the engagement demonstrated a shared commitment among stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the DSO programme despite differing views on some aspects of execution.
“One important message emerged clearly from that engagement: all stakeholders remain united in their commitment to the successful implementation of the Digital Switch Over programme in Nigeria,” he said.
Addressing concerns about the implementation strategy, the minister clarified that the DSO initiative is not intended to replace existing technologies but rather to expand access through multiple broadcasting platforms.
He explained that Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) remains an integral component of Nigeria’s digital broadcasting framework, while the government is pursuing a hybrid model that combines DTT, Direct-to-Home satellite services and digital application-based platforms.
Idris also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting indigenous technology, supporting local manufacturers and ensuring that Nigerian creativity remains at the centre of the country’s broadcasting ecosystem.
“The DSO must create opportunities for Nigerian businesses, Nigerian innovators and Nigerian workers,” he stated.
The minister commended NIGCOMSAT, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), BON, ARCON, DigiTeam, broadcasters, manufacturers and other stakeholders for their contributions to the project before formally launching the Digital Switch Over platform on behalf of the Federal Government.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, described the DSO as a key milestone in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey.
He said the project represents one of the first visible outcomes of the Federal Government’s broader digital infrastructure strategy aimed at building a one-trillion-dollar economy.
“The DSO is one of the first visible outcomes of our broader digital infrastructure strategy aimed at building a one-trillion-dollar economy,” Tijani said.
The minister highlighted ongoing plans to deploy 90,000 kilometres of fibre-optic infrastructure nationwide and disclosed that President Tinubu has approved the launch of two additional satellites to strengthen Nigeria’s communications capacity.
In their separate remarks, the Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission, Charles Ebuebu, and the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NIGCOMSAT, Mrs. Jane Egerton-Idehen, described the launch as the beginning of a new era for broadcasting in Nigeria.
Ebuebu said the platform goes beyond television broadcasting, describing it as a national communications architecture designed to expand access to information, education and digital opportunities for Nigerians.
Mrs. Egerton-Idehen noted that the platform, powered by NIGCOMSAT’s satellite infrastructure, would help bridge connectivity gaps while creating opportunities for content creators, broadcasters, manufacturers, investors and technology providers.
She added that the initiative would strengthen Nigeria’s position as a leading digital broadcasting ecosystem on the African continent.
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, who attended as Special Guest of Honour, described the launch as a significant national achievement and evidence of successful collaboration between government and industry stakeholders.
According to him, the platform will expand access to quality broadcasting services, create jobs, stimulate investment and unlock new opportunities across Nigeria’s media and creative sectors.
He said the successful rollout reflects President Tinubu’s vision for digital transformation, economic growth and the creation of a more connected and prosperous nation.
The event was attended by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Dr. Binyerem C. Ukaire; Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Engr. Nadungu Gagare; Chairman of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria, Chief Tony Akiotu; Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority, Salihu Abdullahi Dembos; Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria, Jibrin Baba Ndace; Director-General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Mohammed Bulama; Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, Lanre Issa-Onilu; Director-General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria, Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo; and other key stakeholders from the broadcasting, communications and technology sectors.
The Digital Switch Over programme is expected to accelerate Nigeria’s transition from analogue to digital broadcasting while expanding access to quality television services and unlocking new opportunities across the country’s media and creative economy.
