The Federal Government has confirmed that the country’s long-awaited Digital Switchover (DSO) project will launch nationwide on June 17, 2026, marking a major milestone for the broadcasting sector.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, announced this after touring the Nigerian Communications Satellite (NigComSat) Limited headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday.
He noted how the initiative will revolutionize broadcasting, advertising, and TV viewership not just in Nigeria but across sub-Saharan Africa.
“This fulfills President Bola Tinubu’s promise to reform all sectors—we’re seeing it in action here,” Idris said.
He recalled years of delays in shifting from analogue to digital transmissions, noting that preparations are now complete for commissioning on the set date.
“You recall how Nigerians have grappled with the DSO for years—moving from analogue to digital. It’s done, and ready by June 17,” he added.
The Minister explained key benefits: unbundled channels for precise audience measurement, helping broadcasters and advertisers track viewing patterns, demographics, and preferences.
“Science is now at play. We can see exactly who’s watching what and how many—filling the measurement gap from before. This empowers advertisers with data-driven decisions on popular programs.”
Minister Idris credited seamless collaboration among NigComSat, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), the Ministry of Communications, and his own ministry.
He also praised President Tinubu for allocating the necessary resources to make it happen.
