President Bola Tinubu has approved a N10 billion grant to advance Nigeria’s digital switchover (DSO) project, marking a significant step in the nation’s transition from analogue to digital television broadcasting. The DSO initiative, which began under former President Muhammadu Buhari, aims to enhance the quality and accessibility of television services across Nigeria.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, Charles Ebuebu, the Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), announced the president’s approval. Ebuebu emphasized that the grant would build on previous efforts rather than restarting the process from scratch.
“We are not starting all over. We are enhancing what we had in a different mode. The president has magnanimously given us the sum of N10 billion to kickstart this process,” Ebuebu stated.
He highlighted that the grant reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to technological advancement, economic growth, and cultural enrichment through the DSO project. The initiative is seen as crucial to ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of location, has access to high-quality broadband services and is included in the digital economy.
To expedite the transition, the NBC is collaborating with the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC). Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chair of the NCC, affirmed the commission’s support for the project, stressing the importance of a seamless transition to digital broadcasting.
The funds will be allocated to various key areas, including the development of television channels, the establishment of satellite coverage nationwide, the creation of audience measurement tools to monitor viewership patterns, and the establishment of content production studios.
The collaboration between the NBC and NCC underscores a unified effort to ensure the success of the digital switchover, positioning Nigeria at the forefront of digital broadcasting in Africa.