The Federal Government, on Wednesday, formally launched Nigeria’s long-awaited Digital Switch Over programme saying the initiative 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, a project that has faced years of delays despite repeated commitments by successive administrations.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, described the rollout as a major milestone in Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda and said it would support the administration’s broader ambition of building a $1tn economy.
“Today, Nigeria joins the ranks of nations that have embraced modern digital broadcasting infrastructure to serve their people,” Tijani said.
According to him, the significance of the programme extends beyond broadcasting and will improve access to information, education and cultural content while ensuring that citizens are not excluded because of their geographical location.
“While this may appear to be a broadcasting milestone, its true significance lies in what it means for ordinary Nigerians. It means better access to information, broader access to educational and cultural content, an improved quality of service and the ability to ensure that no Nigerian is left behind simply because of where they live,” he said.
Tijani linked the project to the Federal Government’s wider digital infrastructure strategy, noting that the digital switchover was one of the first visible benefits of ongoing investments in communications infrastructure.
He disclosed that the government was embarking on the deployment of 90,000 kilometres of fibre-optic open-access infrastructure nationwide and had also secured two new satellites to strengthen the country’s communications capabilities.
“Under the administration of President Bola Tinubu, Nigeria is embarking on the deployment of 90,000 kilometres of fibre-optic open-access infrastructure across the country,” he said.
The minister added that the fibre network would connect communities, businesses, institutions and public services while extending connectivity to border regions and neighbouring countries.
“What you are seeing today is just a glimpse of what is to come,” he said.
According to him, the combination of the fibre project and satellite investments would significantly improve connectivity and create opportunities for Nigeria to export digital and broadcasting services across West Africa.
“Our satellites will not stop at our borders. Our fibre ambitions will connect Nigeria to the wider region, and together they will create the infrastructure through which Nigerian stories, innovation and creativity can reach far beyond our borders,” he said.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission, Charles Ebuebu, described the launch as the unveiling of a new national communications architecture and a critical step in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey.
“Today, we are not merely launching a digital broadcasting platform; we are launching a new national communications architecture,” Ebuebu said.
He noted that the initiative would unlock opportunities for content creators, broadcasters, manufacturers and investors while strengthening media plurality and improving spectrum efficiency.
“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 and Chief Executive Officer of NigComSat Limited said the Digital Switch Over programme represented far more than a broadcasting upgrade, describing it as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s digital future.
