No New Set-Top Boxes Needed as Nigeria’s Digital Switchover Targets 100+ Channels, NIGCOMSAT Says
By Aboki Forex —
The Federal Government has assured Nigerians that they will not need to buy new or special set-top boxes to access over 100 television channels under the revived Digital Switchover (DSO) programme. The assurance came from the Managing Director of the Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) Limited, Jane Egerton-Idehen, during a joint press briefing in Abuja with the Director-General of the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Charles Ebuebu.
Egerton-Idehen explained that millions of DVB-S2 compatible set-top boxes already in the Nigerian market will work seamlessly with the new platform. “There are already about 10 million DVB-S2 boxes in circulation. Users only need to connect,” she said. She added that no additional software installations or complex technical upgrades are required. The only requirement is proper alignment of receiving equipment to the NigComSat-1R satellite.
The NigComSat-1R satellite currently covers the entire ECOWAS region, making the service accessible from virtually any part of Nigeria. This is expected to expand television access significantly, especially in underserved and rural areas where terrestrial broadcasting infrastructure is limited.
Hybrid Approach to Replace Old Model
NBC Director-General Charles Ebuebu said the original DSO programme, launched in 2006 with a target completion date of 2015, faced major challenges. Maintaining a nationwide network of transmission towers proved financially demanding and unsustainable. The government has now adopted a hybrid approach that combines digital terrestrial television, satellite broadcasting, and internet-based platforms. Ebuebu said this new strategy will improve coverage, reduce operational costs, and ensure long-term sustainability.
Beyond access, NBC plans to introduce audience measurement systems for accurate viewership data. The commission also intends to upgrade its call centre to support multiple Nigerian languages and establish six geo-political production studios across the country. This is expected to boost local content creation and reflect Nigeria’s cultural and linguistic diversity.
Satellite Replacement by 2028
Egerton-Idehen disclosed that plans are underway to replace the NigComSat-1R satellite before its operational lifespan ends. The replacement satellite is expected to launch by 2028, with Thales Alenia Space and Ariane selected after a two-year procurement process. She assured users that the new satellite will occupy the same orbital position, so subscribers will not need to reposition antennas or buy new equipment. “We do not want users to do anything. We will handle the entire transition process,” she said. Contingency arrangements have also been made with alternative satellite providers in case of delays.
The new television platform, called FreeTV, is set to launch on May 15, 2026, with over 100 channels for news, sports, education, entertainment, and children’s programming in multiple Nigerian languages. Ebuebu described the plan as the most practical solution to break the deadlock that has delayed Nigeria’s digital broadcasting transition for nearly two decades.