FG to roll out digital switch‑over nationwide on June 17

The federal government announced yesterday that the Digital Switch Over (DSO) project has been completed and will be implemented nationwide on 17 June 2026.

Information and National Orientation Minister Mohammed Idris made the statement while touring the headquarters of Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NigComSat) in Abuja.

“You recall that for many years, Nigerians have been grappling with the idea of the DSO, the digital switchover—moving our transmissions from analogue to digital. Now this has happened, and it is ready to be commissioned by the 17th of June this year,” Idris said.

Idris was received by NigComSat Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Jane Egerton‑Idehen. He said the project will affect broadcasting, advertising and television viewership across Nigeria and sub‑Saharan Africa.

He added that the DSO will improve audience measurement for broadcasters and advertisers, allowing them to identify viewing patterns and make informed advertising decisions.

Idris stated: “This will help advertisers to take informed decisions about what programme it is that people are watching, what it is that Nigerians want to watch across all the demographics.”

“This is going to bring a lot of advantages to all the broadcasters, the viewers, and everybody that advertises. The standard measurement that was absent in the previous experiment is now being made available here,” he added.

He assured that the DSO will grow viewership and promote healthy competition among broadcasters and content producers. The platform, which is expected to transition fully to high‑definition, will also provide free and clean television services.

Idris explained how the new system differs from earlier DSO attempts, noting that past set‑top boxes were encrypted and offered limited flexibility in selecting or switching services. “As a result, the cost was also higher. Now, this service is free, and the government has already absorbed some of these costs,” he said.

Director‑General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Charles Ebuebu, also spoke, saying that 100 television channels will be available on the day of the launch.

He said the new DSO platform was designed to leverage emerging technologies and expand accessibility beyond major cities. The NBC has also established six regional studios nationwide to support content creators and reduce dependence on Lagos and Abuja.