Connect with us

News

NBC Unveils FreeTV Roadmap To Complete Nigeria’s Digital Switchover By 2028

Phinadon Mag

Published

on

Quick Summary:
National Broadcasting Commission launches FreeTV platform and sets December 2028 analogue switch-off deadline to achieve full digital broadcasting in Nigeria.

For seventeen years, Nigeria’s promise of digital television has remained unfulfilled, despite over ₦60 billion spent. Most Nigerians still rely on analogue signals, while broadcasters lack reliable audience data.

On Tuesday, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) addressed the issue with rare candour in a presentation titled “The Big Picture.” The regulator admitted to systemic failures and unveiled a time-bound roadmap to deliver a true digital future for Nigerian broadcasting.

Dr. Charles Ebuebu, Director General of the NBC, presented the plan at the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) General Assembly, pledging transparency and urgency in execution.

FreeTV: A National Digital Platform

The NBC’s proposed solution, FreeTV, is a comprehensive national digital broadcasting platform designed to ensure universal access and credible audience measurement.

Key features include:

  • 100% national coverage via hybrid satellite and IP delivery
  • Free-to-air access with no encryption
  • Mobile app for seamless viewing
  • European-standard audience measurement system for accurate advertising data

For the first 18 months, broadcasters that join the platform, commit to 60% local content, and actively promote FreeTV will broadcast free of charge. A regulated rate card will take effect from January 2028.

The analogue switch-off date is fixed for 31 December 2028, with no further extensions planned.

Decentralising Storytelling And Creating Jobs

Beyond technology, the roadmap includes a cultural and economic vision to decentralise content creation through six regional production hubs:

  • Lagos – Film and post-production
  • Kano – Hausa content
  • Enugu – Igbo language and culture
  • Benin – Edo heritage and South-South stories
  • Port Harcourt – Niger Delta narratives
  • Jos – Plateau and North-Central creativity

Additional hubs are expected across other geopolitical zones.

The NBC projects that thousands of jobs will be created in production, technical, and creative sectors, while local storytelling will gain national reach and measurable impact.

Learning From Global Models

The strategy draws lessons from successful international transitions:

  • UK’s Freeview public-private partnership model
  • South Africa’s surge in local content post-DSO
  • Bulgaria’s GARB audience measurement system

The NBC also cited Ghana’s stalled digital transition as a cautionary example of politicisation and poor coordination to avoid.

A Call To Broadcasters

The NBC urged broadcasters to seize the opportunity, noting that technical and financial barriers have been largely removed for the initial rollout.

He emphasised that the digital future is inevitable, challenging broadcasters to lead the transformation rather than watch from the sidelines.

Understanding Digital Switchover (DSO)

Digital Switchover (DSO) is the global process of replacing analogue terrestrial television with digital terrestrial television (DTT).

Key Benefits
  • Superior picture and sound quality (HD/UHD)
  • More channels within the same spectrum
  • Lower transmission costs
  • Frees spectrum for mobile broadband and other services
Why It Matters

Analogue broadcasting is spectrum-inefficient and technically outdated. Digital systems support interactive features, better reception, and mobile compatibility.

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) set 2015 as a global target under the GE06 Agreement, but many African nations, including Nigeria, missed the deadline.

Nigeria’s Digital Journey

Nigeria’s DSO began between 2006 and 2012, with pilot projects in Jos (2016), Abuja, Kaduna, and Kwara. The process stalled due to funding gaps, infrastructure deficits, and policy inconsistency.

Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the NBC has revived the initiative in partnership with Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT), adopting a hybrid terrestrial-satellite model for nationwide coverage.

Expected Benefits
  • Expanded TV channel options with better quality
  • Freed spectrum for telecom growth
  • Boost to local content production
  • Improved access in underserved regions
Remaining Challenges
  • Affordability of hybrid decoders
  • Public awareness and sensitisation
  • Technical skills development
  • Ensuring inclusive access for all citizens

Entertainment

Burna Boy makes history as the first male artist to reach No. 1 on Spotify’s Global Music Video Chart.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

Published

on

Nigerian superstar Damini Ogulu, famously known as Burna Boy, has once again etched his name in history, this time by becoming the first male artist to claim the coveted #1 spot on Spotify’s newly launched Global Music Video Chart. This monumental achievement comes courtesy of his electrifying World Cup anthem with pop icon Shakira, ‘Dai Dai.’

‘Dai Dai’ has proven to be an unstoppable force, not only conquering the Spotify chart but also making significant waves on the Billboard Hot 100, where it recently soared to a new peak of #13. Industry experts are already predicting a top 10 entry next week, fueled by the highly anticipated World Cup Final Halftime Show performance by Burna Boy and Shakira this coming Sunday.
The song’s dominance extends far beyond these charts. ‘Dai Dai’ remains the most-streamed music video of 2026 on YouTube, boasting an astonishing half a billion views. It has also reached the pinnacle of the Apple Music Global Songs Charts, solidifying its status as a global phenomenon.

Burna Boy’s incredible success with ‘Dai Dai’ has further cemented his position as a titan of the music industry. He has extended his record as the African artist with the most monthly listeners in Spotify’s history, surpassing an astounding 53 million. Not stopping there, he has also set a new benchmark on YouTube Music, becoming the African artist with the most monthly listeners, exceeding 600 million.
These extraordinary achievements are a testament to Burna Boy’s undeniable talent, global appeal, and the ever-growing influence of Afrobeats on the international music scene. He continues to break barriers and inspire millions, proving that music truly knows no boundaries.

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Cardi B Addresses Maduka Okoye Speculation: “I’m Really Hip Hop’s Britney Spears”.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

Published

on

In the relentless glare of public scrutiny, Grammy-winning artist Cardi B has once again found herself at the center of swirling rumors, this time concerning her burgeoning friendship with Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye. Recent public appearances, including a dinner in Venice, ignited speculation about a potential romance, prompting Cardi B to candidly address the incessant public interest in her personal life.

The rapper, known for her unfiltered honesty, voiced her frustration in a widely circulated video, lamenting the disproportionate attention her activities receive compared to those of her peers. She highlighted a perceived double standard, where ordinary facets of her life become subjects of intense public debate, while similar situations involving other celebrities garner little to no interest.

“No cap, I’m really hip hop’s Britney Spears,” Cardi B declared, drawing a parallel to the pop icon who has famously navigated intense media scrutiny throughout her career. She continued, “I got all the tea on these celebrities. I know who’s with who and what’s doing what. But guess what? Nobody reports about it because nobody cares.”

Her exasperation was palpable as she added, “But when it comes to me, I can’t even do anything without people talking about it. This is crazy. You’ve got to take the good with the bad. It is what it is. People pay for this type of talk.”

Cardi B’s comments arrive amidst a crescendo of speculation surrounding her relationship with Okoye. The pair have been observed together on multiple occasions, notably during Paris Fashion Week and their recent rendezvous in Venice, fueling the ever-present social media buzz. Despite the widespread conjecture, neither Cardi B nor Okoye has publicly confirmed any romantic involvement, leaving the nature of their connection open to continued public interpretation and discussion.

Continue Reading

News

Fabian Ruiz Targets 2026 Ballon d’Or After Incredible Trophy-Laden Season.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

Published

on

In a sport often dominated by household names, Paris Saint-Germain’s midfield maestro, Fabian Ruiz, has boldly declared his ambition to claim the coveted Ballon d’Or in 2026. The Spain international, fresh off a truly remarkable season, has articulated a desire that resonates with every professional footballer: to be recognized as the world’s best.

Ruiz, at 30 years old, has enjoyed a sensational campaign that has seen him achieve the pinnacle of both club and international football. Lifting the Champions League trophy with PSG and, even more significantly, securing the World Cup with Spain, has propelled him into conversations previously reserved for a select few. His performances throughout these triumphs have been nothing short of exceptional, showcasing a blend of tactical intelligence, technical prowess, and an uncanny ability to dictate the tempo of a game.

The World Cup, in particular, served as a global stage for Ruiz to demonstrate his undeniable talent. As the tournament progressed, his name began to circulate with increasing frequency among pundits and fans alike as a genuine contender for individual accolades. This growing recognition is a testament to his consistent high-level play and his ability to perform under immense pressure.

When questioned about his aspirations, Ruiz’s response, as reported by Marca, was both humble and resolute: “Who wouldn’t want to win a Ballon d’Or? I’m happy with the season I have had, winning the Champions League and the World Cup. If I’m in the running, it will be an honour.” This statement encapsulates the sentiment of a player who appreciates his current successes while simultaneously striving for even greater heights.

Fabian Ruiz’s declaration injects an exciting narrative into the footballing world. As he continues to perform at an elite level, all eyes will be on whether this gifted midfielder can transform his audacious ambition into reality and etch his name into the annals of football history as a Ballon d’Or winner.

Continue Reading

Trending