NBC Unveils ‘Big Picture’ Strategy for Nigeria’s Digital Switch-Over

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has reaffirmed its commitment to Nigeria’s long-awaited Digital Switch-Over (DSO), unveiling what it describes as a more practical and sustainable roadmap tagged the “Big Picture” strategy.

Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja, the Director-General of the NBC, Charles Ebuebu, said the new approach is designed to ensure broadcasting access reaches Nigerians across the country through a hybrid system that combines terrestrial, satellite, and internet-based broadcasting.

According to him, although Nigeria began its digital transition years ago, only eight cities have achieved signal coverage so far, making a broader and more inclusive approach necessary.

The Commission is targeting a national launch by June 17, 2026, with a complete analogue switch-off planned for December 31, 2028.

Ebuebu explained that the “Big Picture” seeks to solve longstanding challenges that slowed Nigeria’s transition from analogue to digital broadcasting.

Rather than relying solely on Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT), the Commission is now incorporating satellite technology through NigComSat to ensure households in underserved and remote areas are not excluded. He noted that NBC is working within an 18-month implementation period to establish a sustainable platform that will provide Nigerians with broader visibility and access to content nationwide.

The Director-General also highlighted plans for approximately 100 channels, the introduction of call centre support, and the use of available spectrum to strengthen accessibility and improve broadcasting quality.

Supporting the Commission’s position, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NigComSat, Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, addressed concerns around the satellite’s ability to support the digital transition, assuring stakeholders that capacity would not be a challenge.

Responding to questions from journalists, she explained that arrangements are already being put in place to accommodate broadcasters interested in joining the platform and revealed that NigComSat currently has the capacity to carry more than 400 channels.

Also present were senior officials, including Director of Broadcast Policy and Research, Mrs. Stella Erhuwunsee, Coordinating Director of Broadcast Monitoring, Mrs. Susan Obi, and Executive Director of Technical Services at NigComSat, Engr. Abiodun Attah, who participated in discussions around implementation and sustainability.
During a technical tour, Head of Technical at Inview Technology, Engr. Abiodun Buari, provided further insight into how the channels and digital infrastructure will function, explaining the technical processes behind signal transmission and channel accessibility. Questions raised at the event focused on issues such as regional broadcasting opportunities, contingency plans if the strategy faces setbacks, and what the future of the platform would look like after the 18-month implementation period.

For NBC, however, the digital switch-over represents more than a broadcasting reform officials described it as a major step toward building an inclusive digital economy, expanding access to information, and ensuring more Nigerians are connected through modern broadcasting systems.