Abuja: The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, announced that the Federal Government’s Digital Switchover (DSO) project is ready for commissioning on June 17. Idris made this known on Wednesday in Abuja while addressing newsmen after evaluating DSO facilities established by the Nigerian Communications Satellite Ltd. (NIGCOMSAT) in collaboration with the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the DSO project, managed by the NBC, represents Nigeria’s nationwide shift from analog to digital terrestrial television broadcasting. The project aims to enhance broadcast quality, stimulate the digital economy, and free up spectrum for broadband use.
The minister highlighted that the completion of the DSO project signifies President Bola Tinubu’s fulfillment of his promise to implement reforms across various sectors, particularly the broadcast industry. ‘I think this is a new dawn for our country,’ he remarked, emphasizing the long-awaited transition from analog to digital transmissions, now set for its official inauguration on June 17.
Idris noted that during his inspection of the facilities, many channels had already been unbundled, which would benefit broadcasters, viewers, and advertisers alike. He pointed out the advancements in viewership analytics, allowing advertisers to make informed decisions based on audience demographics and preferences.
He praised the collaboration between NIGCOMSAT, NBC, and the Ministries of Communication and Information and National Orientation for their roles in realizing the initiative. The minister also expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for providing the necessary resources to deliver the project to Nigerians.
The Managing Director/CEO of NIGCOMSAT, Jane Egerton-Idehen, credited the success of the DSO project to the strong collaboration among relevant agencies and the support from the President. Additionally, the Director-General of the NBC, Charles Ebuebu, mentioned that the commission incorporated emerging technologies in designing digital terrestrial television broadcasting to cater to the younger population’s preference for mobile devices.
Ebuebu added that the NBC is in the process of expanding the list of channels, aiming to have 100 channels available by the launch date, with more content producers engaged in discussions. He emphasized the accessibility of regional studios for content development, eliminating the need for travel to major cities like Lagos or Abuja.