Nigeria Set for Digital Broadcasting Take-Off as FG Secures DSO Agreement
Oru Leonard
The Federal Government has welcomed the broad consensus reached by key players in Nigeria’s broadcasting and communications sectors on the implementation of the Digital Switch Over (DSO) programme, describing it as a major step toward transforming the nation’s media landscape.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the remark after a high-level stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja, where regulators, broadcasters, content producers, signal distributors, satellite operators and manufacturers deliberated on strategies for the successful rollout of the digital migration programme.
The engagement resolved several outstanding issues surrounding the DSO initiative, with participants agreeing on critical areas including the adoption of a hybrid broadcasting model, the continued role of Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT), investment protection measures and sustained collaboration among stakeholders.
Idris said the outcome of the meeting reflects a shared commitment to repositioning Nigeria’s broadcasting industry for greater competitiveness, innovation and economic growth.
“The level of understanding and agreement demonstrated by stakeholders underscores the industry’s readiness for the next phase of the digital transition. It is a strong indication that all parties are committed to advancing the future of broadcasting in Nigeria,” the minister said.
He noted that stakeholders recognised the DSO programme as more than a technological upgrade, describing it as a strategic initiative capable of creating employment opportunities, stimulating local content production, attracting investment and strengthening the creative economy.
The minister commended participants for placing national development objectives above individual interests, assuring them of the Federal Government’s commitment to maintaining a stable regulatory framework and ensuring an inclusive implementation process.
According to the communiqué issued after the meeting, stakeholders also endorsed periodic consultations, improved business models for industry sustainability, and stronger support for local manufacturing and content development.
The communiqué further recommended quarterly stakeholder engagements to sustain momentum, monitor progress and address emerging challenges in the implementation process.
The Federal Government reaffirmed its determination to work closely with industry operators to ensure the successful execution of the DSO programme and maximise its economic and social benefits for Nigerians.
The meeting ended with stakeholders expressing a collective commitment to fast-track the digital transition and promote a broadcasting ecosystem driven by innovation, sustainability and shared prosperity.
Among those in attendance were Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Dr. Binyerem Ukaire; Director-General of NigComSat, Mrs. Jane Egerton-Idehen; Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission, Charles Ebuebu; Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority, Salihu Dembos; Director-General of ARCON, Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo; BON Chairman, Tony Akiotu; and Channels Television Chairman, John Momoh, alongside other industry leaders.
Cover Photo Caption, L–R: Chairman, Channels Television, Mr. John Momoh; Chairman, Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria, Senior High Chief Tony Akiotu; Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, fnipr; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Dr. Binyerem Ukaire, FWACS; Director-General, National Broadcasting Commission, Mr. Charles Ebuebu; and Director-General, Nigerian Communications Satellite, Mrs. Jane Egerton-Idehen, during a stakeholders’ meeting on the Digital Switchover rollout in Nigeria, on 16 June 2026 in Abuja. Photo: Khalid Ahmed
