The National Broadcasting Commission has announced that Nigerians will no longer be required to pay yearly fees to access digital television under the revamped Digital Switch Over project. Charles Ebuebu, the Director-General of the NBC, confirmed this update during a recent interview in Abuja.
Under the revised framework, viewers are only responsible for the initial purchase of a certified decoder and satellite dish. These items will retail for less than N20,000. Once this equipment is installed, users can access free-to-air channels permanently without recurring monthly or annual charges. While basic content remains free, Ebuebu noted that premium options requiring subscription payments may be introduced in the future.
The commission warned citizens to avoid purchasing equipment from unauthorized vendors who may be inflating prices or misrepresenting product categories. Official lists of verified dealers and standardized pricing will be released by the agency shortly. The DSO initiative aims to modernize local broadcasting while fostering economic expansion by creating jobs and supporting the media sector. Additionally, the integration of new audience measurement technology will offer broadcasters and advertisers precise data regarding national viewership reach.
