FG to Launch Free Digital TV Nationwide with 100 Channels

Nigeria is finally ready to switch fully from analogue to digital TV. The federal government says the new system will start working across the country on June 17, 2026.

The announcement came from the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris. He spoke on Wednesday during a visit to the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited office in Abuja.

“For many years, Nigerians have talked about moving from analogue to digital TV. That move is now done. We will launch it on June 17,” Idris said.

He was received at NigComSat by the company’s Managing Director, Jane Egerton-Idehen.

Idris said the new digital platform will change how TV, advertising, and broadcasting work in Nigeria and across West and Central Africa.

One big improvement is better audience measurement. TV stations and advertisers will now see real-time data on what people watch. This makes it easier to know which shows are popular and what Nigerians want to see.

“In the past, we didn’t have proper data. Now that problem is fixed. Advertisers, broadcasters, and viewers will all benefit,” Idris explained.

He added that the new system will bring more viewers and create healthy competition among TV stations and content makers. It will start in standard definition and soon upgrade to high definition, offering free and clear channels nationwide.

Idris also said this rollout is different from earlier attempts. Before, the set-top boxes were locked to one service and cost more because they were encrypted.

“Those boxes limited your options and made things expensive. This time, it’s free. The government has paid for those costs,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, NBC Director-General Charles Ebuebu confirmed that 100 TV channels will be available from day one.

He said the platform uses modern technology to reach people outside major cities. To support this, the NBC has opened six regional studios across Nigeria. The goal is to help local creators make more content and reduce the focus on Lagos and Abuja.

After years of delays, the June 17 launch is a major step forward for Nigeria’s TV industry.

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