The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) 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, told a joint news conference alongside the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr Aminu Maida on Thursday in Abuja that while Digital Terrestrial Television services had already been launched in eight states, the new phase would extend coverage to every corner of Nigeria using satellite technology.
“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,” Ebuebu said.
According to him, 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.
He explained that 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,” he said.
Local media report on Friday said that the grant was crucial for kick-starting this process, marked the first phase of a broader initiative to transition the country to full digital broadcasting.
It added that the funding comes as part of a larger effort by the Nigerian Government to reinvigorate the Digital Switch-Over project, which has faced significant challenges since its inception in 2016.
The report recalled that the switch from analog to digital broadcasting, initially rolled out in Jos, Plateau State, had been hampered by various obstacles, but the recent financial backing aims to overcome these hurdles and accelerate the nationwide rollout.
GIK/APA