The Federal Government announced that the nationwide rollout of the long-awaited Digital Switch Over project will begin on June 17, 2026. The announcement was made by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, after a visit to the headquarters of Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited, also known as NigComSat.
According to the minister, the project will move television broadcasting in Nigeria from analogue transmission to digital transmission after years of delays and failed attempts. He said the new system is expected to improve television viewing, expand broadcasting opportunities and create better advertising services across the country and parts of sub-Saharan Africa.
Idris explained that the digital platform would allow broadcasters and advertisers to measure audience numbers and viewing patterns more accurately. He said the technology would help television stations and advertisers understand what programmes viewers prefer across different age groups and regions.
The minister also stated that the rollout became possible through cooperation between NigComSat, the National Broadcasting Commission, the Ministry of Communications and the Ministry of Information and National Orientation. He added that President Bola Tinubu approved the support and resources needed to complete the project.
Idris said the digital television service would offer clearer pictures and improved access for viewers without the higher costs linked to earlier versions of the Digital Switch Over project. He explained that previous set-top boxes used during earlier phases had restrictions because they were encrypted, but the new system would provide more flexible and free access for users.
He further disclosed that Nigeria is preparing to move fully into high-definition television broadcasting after the official launch. According to him, the project would also create more competition among broadcasters and content creators, which could lead to more programmes and wider choices for viewers.
The Managing Director of NigComSat, Jane Egerton-Idehen, said the agency is working to maintain stable service delivery while also planning to launch two additional satellites to improve operations and coverage nationwide.
Also speaking on the development, the Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission, Charles Ebuebu, said the new platform was designed to support modern viewing habits, especially for younger audiences who prefer mobile access to television content.
Ebuebu revealed that about 100 television channels are expected to be available at launch, while more broadcasters and content producers are preparing to join the platform. He also said six regional studios have been created across Nigeria to help content creators produce programmes without travelling long distances to cities such as Lagos, Abuja or Kano.
The NBC boss added that the commission is also preparing a multilingual national call centre and a network of trained installers to help users adapt to the new digital television system. He noted that the broader goal is to create one accessible broadcasting platform for Nigerians across all regions of the country.