The Federal Government has announced plans to officially launch a nationwide free digital television platform, giving Nigerians access to more than 100 television channels without monthly subscription fees.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed that the Digital Switch Over (DSO) platform is scheduled for nationwide rollout and commissioning on June 17, 2026, marking a major step in Nigeria’s transition from analogue to digital broadcasting.
According to the government, the new FreeTV platform will provide viewers with over 100 free-to-air channels covering news, sports, education, entertainment and children’s programming in multiple Nigerian languages. Officials say the initiative is designed to improve picture quality, expand content access and strengthen the country’s broadcasting industry.
The Managing Director of NIGCOMSAT, Jane Egerton-Idehen, said Nigerians would not necessarily need to purchase special decoders, as many existing DVB-S2-compatible satellite receivers and digital televisions can access the service. The platform will combine satellite and terrestrial broadcasting to ensure wider national coverage.
Officials noted that the project forms part of the long-delayed Digital Switch Over programme aimed at replacing analogue television broadcasting with digital transmission nationwide. The government believes the transition will enhance broadcast quality, improve audience measurement for advertisers and create more opportunities for local content producers.
The FreeTV service was initially expected to commence earlier in the year but was later shifted to June 17 to align with the nationwide DSO rollout.
If successfully implemented, the initiative is expected to provide millions of Nigerians with free access to television content at a time when many households are grappling with rising pay-TV subscription costs.
