FG Sets June 17 for Nationwide Digital Switch Over Rollout

The Federal Government has fixed June 17, 2026, for the nationwide rollout of the Digital Switch Over (DSO) project. This project is a long-delayed initiative aimed at transforming Nigeria's broadcasting industry. It's expected to provide improved audience measurement for broadcasters and advertisers.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made this announcement after a facility tour of the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday. He described the DSO as a breakthrough for the country's broadcasting industry. The DSO will bring a lot of advantages to broadcasters, viewers, and advertisers.

The DSO project aims to transition Nigeria's broadcasting system from analogue to digital. This will provide free and clearer television services while creating healthy competition among broadcasters and content producers. According to Idris, the new digital system will allow for accurate measurement of viewership. This will enable advertisers to make informed decisions about which programs to advertise on.

The project has been in the works for years, with previous efforts limited to eight states. However, the current administration has made significant progress. The Minister commended President Bola Tinubu for providing the necessary resources to actualize the project.

The DSO platform is expected to launch with about 100 television channels. More content producers have already expressed interest in joining. The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has established six regional studios nationwide to support content creators. This will reduce dependence on Lagos and Abuja.

NBC Director-General, Charles Ebuebu, said the platform was designed to leverage emerging technologies. It will expand accessibility beyond major cities. He also disclosed plans for a multilingual national call center and a nationwide network of certified installers to support users.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NigComSat, Jane Egerton-Idehen, emphasized the organization's focus on ensuring uninterrupted service delivery and sustained technological advancement. She also revealed plans to launch two additional satellites to strengthen service coverage and improve operations.

The DSO project will modernize Nigeria's broadcasting industry. Nigerians can expect improved television services, increased competition among broadcasters, and more accurate measurement of viewership.

"The promise that President Bola Tinubu made that he is going to reform all sectors. We are seeing this reform in action in the broadcast industry," Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.

The success of the DSO project will depend on the effective implementation of the new digital system and the level of adoption by Nigerians. The government is committed to the project, and it's expected to have a positive impact on the country's broadcasting industry.

The collaboration between NigComSat, the National Broadcasting Commission, the Ministry of Communications, and the Ministry of Information and National Orientation has made the rollout possible. The Minister commended the stakeholders for their efforts in bringing the project to fruition.

In the past, the set-top boxes provided under earlier DSO efforts were encrypted. This limited flexibility in choosing or switching services. However, the current service is free, and the government has absorbed some of the costs.

The DSO project is not just about switching to digital; it's also about creating a new era of broadcasting in Nigeria. With the rollout, Nigerians can expect more choices, better services, and increased competition among broadcasters.

The NBC has secured a N10bn grant approved by President Tinubu to drive the nationwide expansion of digital television coverage. This funding is aimed at expanding digital broadcasting services beyond the eight states where Digital Terrestrial Television had already been launched.

The DSO project has the potential to transform the broadcasting industry in Nigeria. It will provide new opportunities for content creators, advertisers, and viewers. With its successful rollout, Nigeria can join the ranks of countries with modern broadcasting systems.

The Minister's announcement has generated excitement among stakeholders in the broadcasting industry. With the June 17 rollout date, Nigerians can expect a new era of broadcasting.