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The Nigerian Government on Wednesday formally launched Nigeria’s long-anticipated Digital Switch Over (DSO) programme, saying it is expected to reach 40 million homes, unlock over N600bn in economic opportunities, create jobs and expand access to quality broadcasting services across the country.
The launch, held in Abuja, marked Nigeria’s transition from analogue to digital terrestrial television broadcasting after years of repeated delays.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, described the rollout as a key milestone in Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda and part of efforts to build a $1tn economy.
“Today, Nigeria joins the ranks of nations that have embraced modern digital broadcasting infrastructure to serve their people,” Tijani said.
He said the initiative would improve access to information, education and cultural content, while ensuring that citizens are not excluded due to location or infrastructure gaps.
Tijani linked the project to broader national digital infrastructure plans, including the deployment of 90,000 kilometres of fibre-optic open-access network and the acquisition of two new satellites to boost connectivity.
According to him, the fibre rollout will connect communities, businesses and public institutions, while extending digital access to underserved and border areas.
The Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission, Charles Ebuebu, described the initiative as a new national communications architecture aimed at transforming Nigeria’s broadcasting ecosystem.
He said the project would unlock opportunities for content creators, broadcasters and investors while improving spectrum efficiency and expanding media diversity.
The Managing Director of NigComSat Limited said the programme goes beyond broadcasting, describing it as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s digital future that will strengthen connectivity and inclusion nationwide.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the project represents a major step in Nigeria’s digital evolution and aligns with the Nigerian Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He added that the digital ecosystem would create jobs, expand content production, strengthen local manufacturing and open new revenue streams for the broadcasting industry.
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, described the switchover as a foundational shift comparable to major historical infrastructure transformations.
He stressed that digital infrastructure is now central to national development and economic competitiveness.
The Digital Switch Over programme is expected to accelerate Nigeria’s migration from analogue broadcasting, improve service quality, deepen digital inclusion and stimulate broader economic growth across the media and technology sectors.
