FG launches digital switch over platform, projects jobs, economic growth
By Maxwell Kumoye
The Federal Government has officially launched Nigeria’s Digital Switch Over (DSO) Platform, describing it as a transformative initiative that will drive job creation, boost local content production, expand the creative industry, and stimulate economic growth across the country.
Speaking at the launch ceremony held on Wednesday at the headquarters of the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) in Abuja, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the project represents a major investment in Nigeria’s future and a significant milestone in the nation’s broadcasting history.
According to the minister, a fully implemented DSO ecosystem will create employment opportunities, encourage local manufacturing, strengthen content production, increase advertising revenues, and unlock new income 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 stated.
He described the launch as a reflection of the commitment of the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to digital transformation, innovation, economic growth, and the development of critical national infrastructure.
“The Digital Switch Over project is not simply a technological transition; it is a critical step towards modernising the country’s broadcasting industry,” the minister said.
Idris noted that the DSO launch forms part of a broader national effort aimed at building a more connected, competitive, and prosperous Nigeria.
He revealed that extensive consultations had been held with stakeholders across the broadcasting value chain, including broadcasters, signal distributors, set-top box manufacturers, content producers, NIGCOMSAT, DigiTeam, the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria, and the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria.
According to him, despite differing opinions on certain implementation issues, stakeholders unanimously reaffirmed their commitment to the successful execution 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.
Addressing concerns about the implementation model, Idris clarified that the DSO is not intended to replace existing technologies but to expand access to broadcasting through multiple delivery platforms.
“Digital Terrestrial Television remains an integral component of Nigeria’s digital broadcasting framework. What we are pursuing is a hybrid broadcasting model that combines DTT, Direct-to-Home satellite delivery, and digital application-based platforms,” he explained.
The minister also reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting indigenous technology and ensuring that Nigerian innovators, manufacturers, and creatives remain central to the broadcasting ecosystem.
“The DSO must create opportunities for Nigerian businesses, Nigerian innovators, and Nigerian workers,” he added.
Adding further insight into the rollout strategy, the Chairman of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria, Senior High Chief Tony Akiotu, disclosed that the platform will be offered free of charge to users for the first 18 months.
Speaking as a guest on Channels Television, Akiotu described the initiative as a win-win proposition for both the broadcasting industry and the nation.
According to him, the free access period is designed to encourage widespread adoption of the platform, expand audience reach for broadcasters, and accelerate Nigeria’s transition to digital broadcasting.
He expressed confidence that the DSO would create new opportunities for broadcasters, content producers, advertisers and investors, while delivering quality and accessible television services to Nigerians.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, described the DSO as a major milestone in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey.
He said the initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s vision of investing in critical digital infrastructure to support long-term economic development.
“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.
The minister disclosed that the Federal Government is pursuing plans to deploy 90,000 kilometres of fibre-optic infrastructure nationwide and has secured presidential approval for the launch of two additional satellites to strengthen Nigeria’s communications capacity.
In their separate remarks, the Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission, Mr. Charles Ebuebu, and the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NIGCOMSAT Limited, Mrs. Jane Egerton-Idehen, described the launch as the dawn of a new era in Nigerian broadcasting.
Ebuebu said the platform goes beyond television broadcasting and serves as a national communications architecture capable of expanding access to information, education, and digital opportunities for Nigerians.
“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,” he stated.
Egerton-Idehen noted that the platform, powered by NIGCOMSAT’s satellite infrastructure, would help bridge connectivity gaps and support the growth of Nigeria’s creative and digital economy.
“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.
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, who attended as Special Guest of Honour, hailed the launch as a significant national achievement and a demonstration of effective 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.
He added that the successful rollout of the platform reflects President Tinubu’s vision for digital transformation and economic growth while advancing Nigeria’s ambition of building a more connected, competitive, and prosperous economy.
The launch ceremony attracted top government officials and stakeholders from the broadcasting and communications sectors, including permanent secretaries, heads of major broadcast organisations, regulators and industry leaders, all united in support of Nigeria’s transition to a digitally driven broadcasting future.
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