The federal government has officially established December 2028 as the target date to complete the country’s migration from analogue to digital television broadcasting. Charles Ebuebu, the Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), confirmed this timeline during an interview in Abuja, noting that this date represents the absolute conclusion of analogue services.
Ebuebu explained that this transition is being executed in phases. While the current stage focuses on the initial switch-off, upcoming phases will prioritize studio infrastructure, content production hubs, and subscription-based television services. Progress is also underway regarding audience measurement; a successful pilot program in 7,000 Lagos homes has paved the way for implementation in Abuja. The commission plans to disclose further details after finalizing discussions with essential partners like the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria.
The transition is expected to liberate significant spectrum space, which acts as a vital national resource. Experts anticipate this spectrum could be valued at over 50 billion dollars. Once formally assessed by consultants, these assets will be distributed to sectors including telecommunications and financial technology. Regarding legacy broadcasting hardware, the NBC is formulating a policy grounded in international standards. Under the Digital Switch Over guidelines, content creation must be distinct from signal transmission. The agency intends to repurpose functional gear while seeking government assistance to properly dispose of obsolete equipment to mitigate environmental risks.
