Key players in Nigeria’s broadcasting sector have expressed their commitment to the successful rollout of the Digital Switch Over (DSO) initiative and advocated for a hybrid broadcasting model that integrates Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT), Direct-to-Home (DTH) satellite services, and application-based digital platforms.
This consensus was reached during a high-level stakeholder meeting hosted by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) at NICON Luxury Hotel in Abuja. Led by the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, the gathering included regulators, broadcasters, signal distributors, set-top box manufacturers, content producers, satellite operators, and industry associations, all working towards advancing Nigeria’s long-pending digital migration. During the session, the Minister emphasised the meeting’s collaborative spirit to tackle the DSO project’s challenges head-on. He reassured stakeholders that the government is operating transparently and is committed to fostering national interest and stakeholder participation throughout the process.
Acknowledging prior concerns regarding engagement with industry players, the Minister noted that, while broader consultations should have begun earlier, a pathway to consensus now exists to propel the digital migration forward. “Despite differing views on execution strategies, there is a shared agreement on the necessity of completing Nigeria’s digital transition,” he declared.
Mr Charles Ebuebu, Director General of the NBC, characterised the meeting as a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s digital migration journey, which has spanned more than a decade and faced multiple setbacks. However, he expressed confidence that a concrete implementation plan would emerge to support industry sustainability and return on investment.
Mrs Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, Managing Director of Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT), highlighted that the DSO initiative aligns with the federal government’s broader objectives of establishing a robust broadcasting ecosystem. She noted that government support has enhanced satellite coverage and facilitated the creation of national call centres and regional production studios to showcase Nigeria’s diverse linguistic and cultural landscape.
The meeting attracted 128 industry representatives, including key figures such as the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Dr BRM Ukire, and the Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority, Abdulhamid Dembos. Participants emphasised that while transitioning to digital is essential for Nigeria, it must prioritise national interests, sustainability, local content, manufacturing, and job creation.
Among the key decisions was the recognition that DTT is an integral part of the DSO framework and must not be phased out. Stakeholders agreed to reconstitute the DigiTeam implementation platform to enhance structured consultation and collaboration, and committed to quarterly meetings to ensure continuous alignment and progress in the DSO endeavour.
