The Federal Government has announced December 2028 as the official deadline for the complete transition from analogue to digital television broadcasting across Nigeria, signalling the final phase of the country’s long-delayed Digital Switch Over (DSO) programme.
The Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Charles Ebuebu, disclosed this during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Tuesday.
According to him, the date represents the final analogue switch-off, after which television broadcasting in Nigeria is expected to operate entirely on digital platforms.
“We put a timeline for analogue switch-off. Before that time, a lot of things will be put in place. This is just phase one,” he said.
Ebuebu explained that the migration would be implemented in phases, with the initial stage focusing on the transition from analogue broadcasting before expanding to other aspects of the broadcasting industry.
He noted that subsequent phases of the programme would address pay television operations, the development of modern broadcast studios and the establishment of designated production centres to support content creators across the country.
The NBC chief also revealed that the commission had made significant progress in audience measurement, a key component of digital broadcasting.
He said the commission had successfully completed a proof-of-concept exercise involving about 7,000 households in Lagos State and had commenced implementation of the initiative in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
According to him, audience measurement would provide broadcasters, advertisers and regulators with accurate data on television viewership, helping to improve content delivery and advertising decisions.
Ebuebu added that the commission intends to unveil the implementation phases publicly after extensive consultations with critical stakeholders in the broadcasting industry.
He said the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON) and other relevant industry players would be fully engaged to ensure broad support and seamless implementation of the transition plan.
One of the major benefits of the digital migration, according to the NBC Director-General, is the release of valuable broadcast spectrum currently occupied by analogue television services.
He described the spectrum as a strategic national resource capable of generating enormous economic value for the country.
Ebuebu explained that after the analogue switch-off, the spectrum would be professionally valued before being allocated to organisations requiring frequency resources, including telecommunications companies, financial technology firms and application service providers.
“I won’t put a sum to it, but it is valued upwards of about 50 billion dollars. Consultants will determine its actual value before allocation,” he said.
He noted that freeing up the spectrum would enhance digital connectivity, create new opportunities for innovation and improve the delivery of communication services nationwide.
The NBC boss also addressed concerns about obsolete broadcasting equipment that would become redundant after the analogue switch-off.
He disclosed that the commission was developing a comprehensive policy to manage outdated analogue infrastructure based on expert recommendations and global best practices.
According to him, the Digital Switch Over White Paper provides that broadcasters should concentrate on content production, while transmission services should be handled by licensed signal distributors.
He identified the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) as one of the recognised signal distributors expected to support the new broadcasting framework.
Ebuebu further explained that where feasible, obsolete analogue equipment would be repurposed for other productive uses.
However, he noted that equipment considered unusable would be transferred to the Federal Government for appropriate disposal in line with environmental safety standards.
He stressed that the measure would prevent environmental pollution and other hazards associated with the disposal of industrial electronic waste generated during the transition.
The Digital Switch Over programme is expected to improve picture and sound quality, increase the number of available television channels, enhance broadcasting efficiency and unlock new economic opportunities through the efficient use of broadcast spectrum.
