NBC and NIGCOMSAT Unveil Satellite-Driven Vision for Nigeria’s Digital Switchover

In a joint press release, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) have jointly unveiled “The Big Picture,” a highlight of the nation’s Digital Switchover (DSO) project. Supported by Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and aligned with his Renewed Hope Agenda, the DSO strategy harnesses Nigeria’s sovereign satellite capabilities to complement terrestrial infrastructure, aiming to deliver universal access, greater affordability, and a revitalisation of Nigerian storytelling. The reimagined Digital Switch Over (DSO) initiative will also employ real-time audience analytics to broaden reach, lower costs, and drive a transformative shift in the nation’s digital broadcasting landscape.

As Nigeria’s only communications satellite in orbit, NigComSat-1R will be a key enabler of this project, beaming Direct-to-Home (DTH) broadcasts across 100% of Nigeria’s landmass. Additionally, this initiative eliminates the need for extensive ground transmission towers and accelerates nationwide rollout by over 65% through its satellite-first approach, proving to be a cost-effective, scalable, and future-ready solution for digital broadcasting in Nigeria. Furthermore, the Director-General, National Broadcasting Organisation, Barr Charles Ebuebu, and the Managing Director, NIGCOMSAT Limited, Mrs. Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, have welcomed this approach, highlighting its role in ensuring the effective use of Nigeria’s communication satellite assets.

Key Highlights of the Digital Switchover Project

For the first time, Nigerian households will gain access to high-quality digital broadcasts via affordable satellite dishes, hybrid devices, and internet-enabled set-top boxes. Approximately 10 million households equipped with DVB-S2-compatible TVs or decoders can immediately access free-to-air channels, driving rapid adoption. For others, the Digital Switch Over (DSO) will introduce next-generation hybrid set-top boxes that combine satellite transmission (via NigComSat-1R) with internet streaming. These branded devices come preloaded with apps, voice search, and parental control features tailored to Nigeria’s youth-majority population (60% under the age of 25). The devices also integrate with NigComSat’s Electronic Program Guide (EPG) for easy and intuitive content navigation.

Additionally, in partnership with global analytics firm GARB, NBC will implement a real-time audience measurement system to track viewership patterns across devices and regions. This data-driven approach is expected to help broadcasters, advertisers, and content creators optimise programming and boost engagement, with advertising revenue projected to grow by 300% by 2026. The success of the DSO “Big Picture” Vision relies on strong cross-sector collaboration. The Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON) and other stakeholders will contribute 60% of content for the 120-channel platform through existing and repurposed programming. Local manufacturers are expected to produce 5 million hybrid-compliant devices annually, supporting over 20,000 jobs in assembly plants nationwide. This initiative also aligns with President Tinubu’s “By-Nigeria” agenda, promoting local manufacturing, economic growth, and national development.

This article was originally published by NigComSat on 30, May 2025. Read the original publication here.