The Federal Government has hailed what it described as a “major breakthrough” in Nigeria’s digital broadcasting reform as stakeholders in the media and communications industry reached broad consensus on the rollout of the Digital Switch Over, DSO, programme.
The Honorable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, gave the commendation in Abuja following a high-level stakeholder engagement involving regulators, broadcasters, signal distributors, content creators, manufacturers, and satellite operators.
The meeting convened to resolve outstanding issues around the DSO implementation, ended with wide agreement on key pillars of the transition, including the adoption of a hybrid broadcasting model, continued relevance of Digital Terrestrial Television, DTT, stronger investment protection mechanisms, and sustained stakeholder engagement.
The Minister described the consensus as a clear signal of industry readiness and shared commitment to repositioning Nigeria’s broadcasting sector for digital competitiveness and economic growth.
He noted that stakeholders were united in the view that the DSO is not merely a technical migration, but a transformational initiative capable of expanding jobs, boosting local content production, attracting investment, and strengthening Nigeria’s creative economy.
According to him, the Federal Government is deeply appreciative of the collaborative spirit demonstrated by all parties, stressing that the outcome reflects a mature understanding of national priorities over sectoral interests.
“The level of agreement we have achieved shows that stakeholders are aligned on the future of Nigeria’s broadcasting industry. This is a strong foundation for accelerated implementation,” the Minister said.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to providing a stable regulatory environment, safeguarding investments, and ensuring inclusive implementation that leaves no stakeholder behind.
The communiqué issued at the end of the meeting confirmed consensus on the need for periodic stakeholder consultations, improved business models for the broadcasting sector, and enhanced local manufacturing and content development.
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It also recommended the institutionalization of quarterly engagements to ensure continuous alignment and effective monitoring of the DSO rollout process.
The Federal Government reiterated that it would continue to work closely with industry stakeholders to ensure the successful delivery of the DSO programme and the realization of its full economic and social benefits for Nigerians.
The meeting concluded with a collective resolve to fast-track implementation of the digital transition in a manner that ensures sustainability, innovation, and shared industry growth.
Present at the meeting were the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Dr. Binyerem C. Ukaire; the Director General of Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited, NigComSat, Mrs. Jane Egerton-Idehen; the Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, Mr. Charles Ebuebu; the Director General of the Nigerian Television Authority, NTA, Mr. Salihu Abdullahi Dembos; the Director General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria, ARCON, Dr. Olalekan Olumuyiwa Fadolapo; the Chairman of the Broadcasting Organizations of Nigeria, BON, Senior High Chief Tony Akiotu; the Chairman of Channels Television, Mr. John Momoh, alongside other distinguished stakeholders and industry leaders from the broadcasting, media, technology, and communications sectors.
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