By Progress Godfrey
ABUJA – The Federal Government has launched Nigeria’s Digital Switch Over programme, aiming to reach 40 million homes and unlock over N600bn in economic value as the country moves from analogue to digital television broadcasting.
The rollout, in Abuja on Wednesday, marks a major shift in Nigeria’s broadcast system after years of delays, with officials saying it would expand access to quality television, create jobs and improve information delivery nationwide.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, said the project is a key step in Nigeria’s wider digital transformation and economic plan.
He said the initiative goes beyond broadcasting and would improve access to information, education and cultural content while ensuring no community is left behind due to location.
“Today, Nigeria joins the ranks of nations that have embraced modern digital broadcasting infrastructure to serve their people,” Tijani said.
He added that the programme is linked to broader infrastructure efforts, including fibre optic expansion and satellite deployment. According to him, government is rolling out 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic network across the country to improve connectivity for homes, businesses and public institutions.
He also said the combination of fibre and satellite projects would strengthen Nigeria’s digital reach beyond its borders.
“What you are seeing today is just a glimpse of what is to come,” he added.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission, Mr Charles Ebuebu, said the project represents a new national communications system.
He noted that it would open opportunities for content creators, broadcasters and investors while improving efficiency in spectrum use.
“The big picture represents our collective ambition to democratise access to information, unlock new opportunities for Nigerian content creators, stimulate investment across the broadcasting value chain, empower local manufacturers, strengthen media plurality, expand consumer choice and improve spectrum efficiency,” he stated.
The Managing Director of NigComSat Limited, Mrs Jane Egerton-Idehen, said the switch over is a long-term investment in Nigeria’s digital future. She said it would deliver clearer sound, better picture quality and wider content options while supporting underserved communities, adding that the goal is to ensure equal access regardless of location.
“As Nigeria’s premier satellite communications company, our mission is to ensure that geography does not determine opportunity. Our mission is to ensure that communities in remote locations are not excluded from national development,” she said.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr Mohammed Idris, said the programme is the result of years of planning and coordination across agencies. He described it as part of efforts under the Renewed Hope Agenda to strengthen digital infrastructure and economic growth.
“The Digital Switch Over project is therefore not simply a technological transition. It is an investment in Nigeria’s future,” he stated, adding that consultations were carried out with broadcasters, manufacturers and other stakeholders to build a full digital ecosystem.
