Stakeholders from Nigeria’s broadcasting industry have endorsed a hybrid digital broadcasting model that combines digital Terrestrial Television (DTT), Direct-to-Home (DTH) satellite services and digital application-based platforms as the preferred framework for accelerating the country’s long-delayed Digital Switch Over (DSO) programme.
The resolution was reached at a high-level stakeholder meeting convened by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) under the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation in Abuja.
The meeting brought together regulators, broadcasters, satellite operators and other stakeholders to deliberate on the future of digital broadcasting in Nigeria.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the session as a collaborative effort aimed at addressing challenges that have slowed the implementation of the DSO project.
He assured participants that government decisions would be guided by national interest, stakeholder inclusion and the long-term sustainability of the broadcasting sector.
Idris acknowledged concerns over limited consultations in earlier phases of the project, but stressed the need to build consensus to ensure Nigeria completes its digital migration journey, noting that while stakeholders may differ on implementation strategies, there is broad agreement on the need for full digital transition.
NBC director-general Charles Ebuebu noted that, despite over a decade of pursuing the DSO programme and repeatedly missing deadlines, he is optimistic that a sustainable implementation roadmap is now taking shape through strengthened collaboration with industry stakeholders.
Jane Egerton-Idehen, MD, Nigerian Communications Satellite, said the DSO initiative aligns with broader government efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s broadcasting ecosystem.
She highlighted investments in satellite infrastructure, regional production studios and national support facilities designed to improve content distribution and promote Nigeria’s cultural and linguistic diversity.
Among the key resolutions reached was the affirmation that DTT remains an essential component of the DSO framework and should not be discontinued. Stakeholders also agreed to reconstitute the DigiTeam implementation platform to strengthen consultation and industry participation.
Participants further called for quarterly stakeholder engagements and welcomed ongoing efforts by the NBC and the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria to develop sustainable audience measurement and advertising models.
They expressed confidence that the renewed collaborative approach would accelerate digital migration, attract investment, create jobs and expand access to quality broadcasting services nationwide.
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