NBC secures N10bn to expand digital TV coverage

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

NBC’s Director-General, Charles Ebuebu, announced this on Thursday 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 had already been launched in eight states, this new phase would 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 analog 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.”

“This grant is not just a financial allocation; it is a testament to Mr President’s collective commitment to driving technological advancement, economic growth, and cultural enrichment through the DSO project,” Ebuebu noted, highlighting the administration’s commitment to transforming the media sector.

Among the top priorities are the development of a diverse array of television channels, leasing satellite capacity to achieve nationwide signal coverage, and implementing cutting-edge audience measurement tools.

These efforts are aimed at delivering on the promise of the Digital Switch-Over by providing Nigerians with enhanced broadcasting services.

In a strategic partnership, NBC and NCC will collaborate closely to ensure the seamless execution of this initiative.

The grant will also support public education campaigns, the establishment of state-of-the-art content production studios, and the distribution of digital set-top boxes to households across the country.

Additionally, the development of a FreeTV mobile app and an upgraded national call center will further enhance access to digital content and customer service.

“Adopting the digital broadcasting standards will align Nigeria with global norms, enhancing our competitiveness and attracting foreign investments.

“Digital broadcasting will bridge the digital divide, ensuring access to vital information, education, and entertainment for remote and underserved communities,” the DG stated, highlighting the far-reaching implications of the project.

He further stated that a new date would soon be announced for the nationwide rollout.

In his remarks, Maida pledged his full support to NBC in the nationwide rollout of digital television services.

Maida highlighted the strategic partnership between the two commissions, with NBC leading the digital switchover project and the NCC ensuring the telecommunications sector is prepared to meet the demands of the new digital landscape.

“We are going to be working very closely but led by NBC. We will provide support where we need to and ensure that the communication sector is ready,” he noted.

The NCC Boss pointed out that the success of the digital transition, particularly in delivering high-quality content, is expected to drive a substantial increase in data usage across Nigeria.

“If we do this right, especially if we get the right content, it is going to lead to a huge explosion in the consumption of data,” he added.