The Federal Government has officially launched Nigeria’s Digital Switch Over (DSO) Platform, a free digital television service aimed at expanding access to quality broadcasting, creating jobs, and boosting the nation’s creative and digital economy.
Speaking at the launch held at the headquarters of the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) in Abuja on Wednesday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the initiative as a major milestone in Nigeria’s broadcasting history and a key component of the Federal Government’s digital transformation agenda.
According to the Minister, the fully implemented DSO ecosystem is expected to generate employment opportunities, strengthen local content production, expand audience reach, attract advertising investments, and create new revenue streams for broadcasters and content creators.
He noted that the project goes beyond a technological upgrade, describing it as a strategic effort to modernise Nigeria’s broadcasting sector and support national economic growth.
Idris explained that the DSO will operate through a hybrid broadcasting model that combines Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT), Direct-to-Home satellite services, and digital application-based platforms, ensuring wider access to broadcasting services across the country.
The Minister also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting indigenous technology, supporting local manufacturers, and creating opportunities for Nigerian innovators and businesses within the broadcasting value chain.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, described the DSO as a significant step in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey. He revealed that the government is advancing plans to deploy 90,000 kilometres of fibre-optic infrastructure nationwide and launch two additional satellites to strengthen communication services.
The Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Charles Ebuebu, and the Managing Director of NIGCOMSAT, Jane Egerton-Idehen, said the platform would improve access to information, education, and digital opportunities while supporting the growth of Nigeria’s creative and technology sectors.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, who attended the launch, described the initiative as a major national achievement that would stimulate investment, create jobs, and expand access to quality broadcasting services.
The Federal Government said the Digital Switch Over Platform represents a new era for broadcasting in Nigeria and aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of building a more connected, competitive, and prosperous economy.
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Economy