By The Federal Government has officially launched Nigeria’s Digital Switch Over (DSO) platform, describing it as a major step toward modernising the country’s broadcasting sector while projecting thousands of opportunities in job creation, local content development and economic growth.
According to an update issued by the ministry of Information and National Orientation on June 17, 2026, the launch, held at the headquarters of the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) in Abuja, brought together key government officials, regulators and stakeholders from the broadcasting and communications industries.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the DSO platform represents a strategic investment in Nigeria’s digital future and aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on innovation, economic growth and critical infrastructure development.
According to the minister, the transition from analogue to digital broadcasting is expected to stimulate local manufacturing, expand audience reach, strengthen content production, create more advertising opportunities and generate new revenue streams for broadcasters and content creators.
”A fully implemented DSO ecosystem will create jobs, stimulate local manufacturing, expand audience reach, strengthen content production, increase advertising opportunities, and unlock new revenue streams for broadcasters and content creators,” Idris said.
He explained that the initiative is not intended to replace existing broadcasting technologies but to integrate multiple digital platforms through a hybrid model combining Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT), Direct-to-Home satellite broadcasting and digital application-based services.
Idris disclosed that extensive consultations were held with broadcasters, signal distributors, manufacturers, content producers, regulators and other stakeholders before the launch, noting that participants reaffirmed their commitment to the successful implementation of the programme.
”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.
The minister also stressed that the Federal Government would prioritise indigenous technology and local participation throughout the implementation process.
”The DSO must create opportunities for Nigerian businesses, Nigerian innovators, and Nigerian workers,” he added.
Also speaking, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, described the launch as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda.
He said the project forms part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to build a one-trillion-dollar economy through investments in digital infrastructure.
”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.
He revealed that the government is working toward deploying 90,000 kilometres of fibre-optic infrastructure nationwide, while President Tinubu has approved the launch of two additional satellites to strengthen Nigeria’s communications capacity.
The Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Charles Ebuebu, described the platform as more than a television service, saying it would improve access to information, education and digital opportunities across the country.
”This is more than a television platform; it is a national communications architecture designed to expand access to information, education and digital opportunities for all Nigerians,” Ebuebu stated.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NIGCOMSAT, Jane Egerton-Idehen, said the satellite-powered platform would help bridge connectivity gaps and create fresh opportunities for broadcasters, content creators, manufacturers, investors and technology providers.
”It creates new opportunities for content creators, broadcasters, manufacturers, investors and technology providers, while strengthening Nigeria’s position as Africa’s leading digital broadcasting ecosystem,” she said.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, who attended as Special Guest of Honour, described the launch as a major national achievement made possible through collaboration between government and industry stakeholders.
”This initiative will expand access to quality broadcasting services, create jobs, stimulate investment and unlock new opportunities across the media and creative sectors,” Kalu said.
The event was attended by senior government officials, heads of broadcasting agencies, industry regulators and representatives of key organisations across Nigeria’s broadcasting and communications sectors.
