The Federal Government has launched a digital television aimed to expand access to quality broadcasting through free digital television for millions of Nigerians.
According to the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), the platform to be known as FreeTV aligns with the ongoing efforts to deepen digital inclusion and ensure that more Nigerians benefit from technological advancements regardless of their location or income level
The initiative is in furtherance to Nigeria’s Digital Switch-Over (DSO) programme designed to provide households with access to over 100 television channels without monthly subscription fees.
Viewers will be able to enjoy a wide range of content, including news, sports, movies, music, educational programmes, children’s content and dedicated indigenous language channels.
With coverage extending beyond major cities to rural and underserved communities, the platform will be accessible through satellite and terrestrial transmission, as well as the FreeTV mobile application. The government said Nigerians do not need to purchase new television sets, as existing TVs can function with compatible DVB-T2 or DVB-S2 decoders, while many users with free-to-air decoders may already be equipped to access the service.
Regional production centres located in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Kano and Benin are expected to serve as hubs for content development, providing opportunities for producers, editors, camera operators, sound engineers, technicians and other media professionals.
The launch marks another significant milestone in Nigeria’s transition from analogue to digital broadcasting, with the final analogue switch-off still scheduled for December 31, 2028.
Authorities have encouraged Nigerians to verify the compatibility of their decoders and explore the new platform as the country moves closer to a fully digital broadcasting ecosystem.
