NBC secures N10bn boost for digital switch-over, expands coverage

The National Broadcasting Commission on Thursday announced a nationwide expansion of digital television coverage, fueled by N10bn grant approved by President Bola Tinubu.

The announcement was made by the NBC Director General, Charles Ebuebu, during a joint press conference in Abuja alongside the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr. Aminu Maida.

Ebuebu revealed that while Digital Terrestrial Television services have already been launched in eight states, this new phase will extend coverage to every corner of Nigeria using satellite technology.

The N10bn grant, described as crucial for kick-starting this process, marked the first phase of a broader initiative to transition the country to full digital broadcasting.

The funding comes as part of a larger effort by the Federal Government to reinvigorate the Digital Switch-Over project, which has faced significant challenges since its inception in 2016.

The switch from analogue to digital broadcasting, initially rolled out in Jos, Plateau State, has been hampered by various obstacles, but the recent financial backing aims to overcome these hurdles and accelerate the nationwide rollout.

The NBC DG said, “What we presently have is the DTT, the Terrestrial Broadcast where you have broadcast stations around the country. We have launched in eight states already, and they are up and running, even with some challenges. But now, we are going to have satellite coverage that covers the entire nation all at once.

“So no matter where you are in Nigeria, you will be able to receive the channels and the content that will be put on that platform. So the sum given to us by the President for the first phase is N10bn and that is what we are running with to kick-start this process.”

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